Continuing their 12 year run of Christmas panto's at The Helix, Theatreworx are back with another smasher of a show.
Stepping away from the familiar boy meets girl formula and embracing a strong female lead (who doesn't fall helplessly in love with the first handsome prince that walks her way) is a welcome break from tradition.
The team manage to tell a very entertaining story of the search for the third musketeer (who just so happens to be a woman) and who also just so happens to manage to organise the other two musketeers... whilst finding the stone of destiny and fighting off the bad guy and a magnificent dragon!
Clearly the third musketeer had to be a woman in order to multi-task so effectively!
Along with the story-telling and the wonderful music and dance performances from the cast, they never forget the roots of panto and the stuff that makes people laugh.
The references to current affairs that go over the heads of the little ones but have the grown ups in stitches, and the teenage trends of rap battles and Tik Tok provided the gags for all ages.
One of our favourite scenes was when Lola the irrepressible panto dame became acquainted with Alexa - who lets face it is the boss of most households these days. Everyone could relate to those annoying Alexa moments and laugh along.
The dastardly Lord Beautface as the villain of the show and his amazing sidekick Bradley the dog (actual real life dog) provided great entertainment. The banter between Laurel and Beautface was hilarious... both scripted and unscripted.
The game of hide and seek with the cast turning up in the audience was very funny and the look on my boys faces when the water pistol got turned on the audience was priceless.
The song choices were on point (my teenager tells me) and the traditional dance off got the whole audience up and involved.
The cast and production team at Theatreworx are made up of family and close friends and the warmth and genuine dedication to their craft shine through in their performances.
Their clever scripts, talented cast and comedy timing make for a polished fun-filled performance.
They make you feel like part of their family and that we're all in this production together.
The cast put their heart and soul into it and you genuinely go away feeling like you have been part of something special.
Thanks for the last 12 years of wonderful pantos Theatreworx - you did it again...oh no, you didn't...oh yes, you did....
The Three Musketeers is doing an eight week run from November 22, 2019 to January 19, 2020.
Tickets, priced from €17.50 (booking fees apply) and are on sale now from www.thehelix.ie and at The Helix Box Office.
For more information, see www.thehelix.ie or call 01 700 7000.
