Robin Hood – Review

NODA Review – January 2019

It is certainly the year of Robin Hood as this is the second I had seen in week and it will not be the last.  It is always fascinating to see what the different interpretations of the same story turn out to be.  This version had a well-written script from Petra Maurice, with some interesting twists, such as Marion being held in the Sherriff’s bungalow.  The sets, as always, were well designed, constructed and painted, taking us from Village Square to the forest, to the Sheriff’s Bungalow and other destinations on the way.  The costumes were all in keeping with the medieval times of the story, and there was good makeup, particularly interesting for the Sheriff.  The choreography was suited to the abilities of the cast and was interesting.  The set was well lit and there were some well cued sound effects. 

There was a lovely opening with introductions from Merry Men Alan O’Dale, Will Scarlett, Friar Tuck, Little John and Much the Millers son, each with their own theme tune, which occurred more than once during the show.  Each of them had developed their own characters, with Peter Wiggins as Will Scarlett being a bit pompous and long-winded when he spoke.  Alison Bagnall as Robin Hood, showed she was leader of the band and worked well with her men and with Jo Plumbley as the feisty Maid Marion.  Will Titcomb made a suitably nasty Sheriff of Nottingham.  Nigel Lane played the rather ineffectual Prince John well, and was in contrast to Nick Baskerville as the more dominant King Richard.  Lisa Steele played a nice Gertie and Jenny Dennis brought the character of Nursey to life, breaking with tradition not being played by a man.  Ian Cornes as Alan O’Dale had a good rapport with the audience.  Two young ladies who really enjoyed their roles confidently played Rick and Ron.  The rest of the cast of Poor people and their children, the Merry Maids, the guards and the village children brought their own input to the characters and added interest to the story.

There were some fun moments with lots of jokes, and the ‘Merry men’ having to dress as women to get inside Nottingham for the archery contest.  There lots of opportunities for audience participation, good dancing, songs that were not over long, good costumes, and a swashbuckling sword fight which all added to a very entertaining evening.