The debut production from Rats With Wings Theatre Collective isn’t so much ‘new-writing’ as ‘no-writing’.

This fresh and vibrant devised performance piece breathes new life into an old classic, and does much of the same for some classical theatre traditions.

Taking inspiration from the stylised stock of Italian Commedia d’ell Arte, the company present a joyous romp inspired by Alexander Dumas’ much-loved fictional epic, ‘The Three Musketeers.

It’s a slapstick adventure, delivered entirely in a faux-French tongue, reminiscent of the Commedia tradition of sometimes speaking in a gobbledegook language.

Instead the strong storytelling comes entirely from the physicality and expression of the actors.

This is in line with the Rats With Wings mantra, to explore language codes which transcend traditional written and spoken forms.

RWW’s Creative Lead Mike Swain explains:

"Because the production makes sense to nobody, it ends up making sense to everybody. We don’t tell stories…we live them out."

The play will premiere for three nights at The Blue Elephant Theatre, Camberwell, who support up and coming companies and have a history of giving a foot in the door to some notable artistes, including Bush Theatre Associate Company Theatre Ad Infinitum, and Southwark Playhouse Associate Director David Mercatali.

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Synopsis

These men might be heroes, clowns, simpletons or rogues.

What is certain is that there are three of them … or four … (or five) and they are all very French.

These are harsh times: paupers will do anything for a bite to eat, while the gluttonous King Louis will consume anything he can get his grubby hands on.

In order to rise from the gutter, one young man must fight for King, Queen and the love of his life to prove his worth.

To succeed he’ll need new friends, but with friends like these …

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Venue

Blue Elephant Theatre

59a Bethwin Rd

Camberwell

London

SE5 0XT

Note: entrance in Thompson's Ave

Dates

Wednesday 6 July - Friday 8 July at 8-00pm

Tickets

£10.00

£9.00 (concessions)

£8.00 (Southwark residents)

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Links

Blue Elephant Theatre

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