An open air amphitheatre, surrounded by trees that provide both shelter and a real sense of being “deep in the forest”, would provide a great setting for any theatrical production in these, still difficult, days – but when that production is Robin Hood then the setting becomes simply ideal!
As we wait for the performance to begin, and with nothing but the sound of birdsong around us , if really feels like we are sitting deep in Sherwood Forest, and brings a real sense of authenticity to the very familiar tale of the nobleman turned outlaw, the evil Sheriff of Nottingham and his henchman Guy of Gisborne, the fair Maid Marion and a tournament to find the best person to complete the Sheriff’s task, and head into the forest to defeat Robin Hood.
Liam Murray Scott plays the titular character and is suitably cocky and arrogant, although it is his heart of gold that shines through as bright as a star. Looking every inch the dashing hero, Liam’s powerful voice booms out across the amphitheatre and, from the very beginning, the audience get to see him “liberating” the rich from their money, cash that will soon be delivered to the poor downtrodden locals.
Hood’s famous encounter with John Little on the bridge is given an original twist because, in this production, the character already has the name Little John and, instead of being a huge strapping man, is played by Louise Lord – a rather diminutive female. The fact that she is much shorter than Robin makes her victory on the bridge even more powerful and immediately endears her to the audience.
Maid Marion is played by Charlotte Price and is not the sweet simpering woman who features in many previous versions of this tale, oh no! She carries a sword and can use it just as well as any man – and better than most. She can look very sweet and demure, when she wants to, but that is mainly when she wishes to wind Guy of Gisborne round her little finger, a task that she relishes.
Playing Guy, with a look as menacing and his powerful voice, Matt Tweddle fits the bill perfectly. Threatening as many people as he possibly can, and clad head to toe in black (well, he is the villain of the piece), he is the complete opposite to Robin’s very likeable character and, in the final scene when they meet each other in battle, the audience are very keen to see Guy defeated.
Robin’s band of “Merry Men” and Gisborne’s guards are played by a community cast of local amateur actors who were recruited for the production following an audition process that had to be conducted over the internet, due to the restrictions in place at the time. Luke Hurren, Neo Giddings, Nia Harrington, Patrick Grant, Sophie Ray and Phoebe Long all work tirelessly as the various different characters with several open air costume changes being performed during the 70 minute, one act production.
A great deal of thought has gone into the creation of a set that is equally believable as Robin’s camp, Guy’s castle and jail and even the road from Nottingham to Lincoln, on which Robin and his gang are ambushed by Gisborne and his guards. Full credit goes to Writer/ Director Sarah Slator and her creative team for their tremendous work.
The fight scenes are simply breath-taking. Andrew Ashenden, the fight director, has worked well with the cast, helped by the fact that Robin and Marion are both stage combat teachers, to create very authentic scenes with both staff and sword. The archery tournament is also played out very cleverly in this thoroughly entertaining piece.
During these last 16 months theatres have had to very creative in order to keep functioning and, although the end of the tunnel seems closer, by staging productions like Robin Hood, The Hawth Theatre in Crawley have satisfied a real need as, no matter what happens in the world, there will always be a huge desire to see “quality live theatre” – three words that describe this production perfectly.
**** Four Stars