Liskeard Lions Club is promising a panto filled with fun and skulduggery as it stages The Three Musketeers at the town's Public Hall.

The Lions have put on a show at the hall every year since 1996 and the performances are known for their energy and enthusiasm – as well as audience participation.

This year's production tells the tale of the young D'Artagnan as he joins the Musketeers in protecting Princess Constance from the evil Cardinal Richelieu.

'Richelieu has held the King and Queen hostage, but seeks to find their beautiful daughter Constance, as without her, he cannot control the royal couple,' said a Lions spokesperson. 'Our hero D'Artagnan arrives in Paris where he believes he can meet up with the Musketeers. He crosses the path of a beautiful serving wench at the Frogs Legs Tavern – and from here, the plot thickens.'

Directed by Bob Hollingdale and with musical direction from Philip Stephens, the panto has choreography by Stacy Gingell. Costumes were made or sourced by Ali Houghton and props managed by Alan Parsons.

The show takes place on January 23, 24 and 25. The first two nights are free-entry performances for pensioners from Liskeard and surrounding parishes, with the support of sponsorship from local businesses. Tickets for the public performance on January 25 are available from Liskeard Museum.