The timeless story of the Three Musketeers is being brought to outdoor theatre audiences this summer.

Based on the swashbuckling adventure story by Alexandre Dumas and set in the early 1600s in France, The Three Musketeers will be performed at 10 venues around Maidstone in a tour sponsored by Maidstone council.

The tour is part of the Hazlitt Theatre’s initiative to make performing arts accessible and affordable for all.

Cllr Stephen Thompson is the council’s cabinet member for healthier stronger communities. He said: “These wonderful outdoor shows are an absolute delight, taking place in many beautiful parts of our borough.

“They will be really great for all the family to enjoy.

“Tickets are reasonably priced too, at just £5 each or £15 for a family of four.”

The tour begins at the Millennium Amphitheatre by the riverbank in Maidstone on Saturday, August 17, with two shows - at 1pm and 6pm.

Performances follow on Sunday, August 18, at 3pm at the Tithe Barn in Lenham. On Tuesday, August 20, at 4pm, at Cobtree Manor Park. On Wednesday, August 21, at 4pm in the Surrenden Playing Field in Staplehurst. And on Thursday, August 22, at 6pm at Southons Field in Marden.

Then on Friday, August 23, at noon at South Park, Maidstone, and the same day at 6pm on Bearsted Green. On Saturday, August 24, at 6pm at Little Fant Farm, Maidstone.

On Sunday, August 25, at noon at the Blacksmiths Barn in Bredhurst with the last show being that same day at 6pm in Stockbury Playing Field.

Tickets can be booked here.

The tour director, Jenny Longley said: “We encourage families to bring their picnics and blankets to enjoy a show that we hope will make you laugh!”

“We always love to see those who dress up as their favourite characters too!”