Director and Adaptor: Sarah Slator
What more, really, do you need on a summer evening than an energetic retelling of England’s finest folk legend? It’s not perfect, but this short production carries off the story of the country’s favourite thief with charisma.
From the comically petulant villain in the form of the Sheriff of Nottingham (one of Hannah Johnson’s roles) to the more nuanced baddie in the shape of Guy of Gisbourne (Ryan Woodcock), there’s plenty for Ethan Taylor’s exciting portrayal of Robin Hood to be challenged by. It covers the key, classic points of the Hood story – his Sherwood Forest home, bridge-based battle with Little John, tournament success where he wins the right to hunt for…Robin Hood, and his growing relationship with Marian (Lydia McNulty). Little to surprise us, but a lot to entertain.
Aimed at a full family audience, adaptor and director Sarah Slator keeps the energy levels high with a rapid turnover of scenes, hints of danger and threat (without becoming too scary), and some quality action. The sword fights feel a little stilted, maybe because they’re real metal swords, but the staff fights involving Marian, Robin and John are fantastically well-choreographed and executed. Not content with comedy, love, and action they add music to the mix. Beginning with the first few lines, the cast frequently burst into song – giving a wide selection of folk tunes used to accent some emotions as well as flip scenes forward.
Well-staged and technically smooth, it’s a quality production that only sometimes feels a little clunky. Those slow sword fights wobble the pace a little, and there’s a little fat to trim with the banter Robin throws around. But anything that can get the kids in the audience to sit still and rapt surely can’t have too much wrong with it.
Anyone interested in catching this band of merry outlaws under the dappled summer evening sunshine at London’s Charterhouse has missed their chance, unfortunately. However, they’ve an impressive line-up of future venues for the tour which takes in old churches, stately homes, campsites and other great outdoor spaces. There are some smart location choices here to allow an audience to take in a fun 12th-century story almost in contemporary settings.
Reviewed on 28 July and continues to tour
