Robin Hood: The Legend. Re-Written. is the new offering from Regents Park Open Air Theatre. With a book by The Grinning Man writer Carl Grose and set in the beautiful, wooded heartland of Regent’s Park, this Robin Hood is an exciting reimagined version of the well-known story. Join Robin Hood as he pits good against evil, stealing from the rich and giving to the poor in a special adventure sure to entertain.
In this re-written classic, the story focuses on Woodnut. Left by her mother too soon, Woodnut and her father live under the terrifying rule of the sheriff. One day, when her father can’t afford the ever-increasing taxes, Woodnut takes matters into her own hands escaping to the forest to visit her mothers grave and re-connect with the forest itself. Along the way, she meets her own band of merry men and encounters the mysterious straight-shooting Hood. Think you know the story of Robin Hood? Think again. Prepare for a thrilling new take on the classic tale, set in a desperate, divided kingdom where only the truly cunning can outwit the sheriff’s terrifying wrath.
As the young Woodnut, Dumile Sibanda gives a delightful performance. Her strong presence onstage allows the audience to easily identify with her and we’re soon cheering Woodnut on as the story unfolds. As bad-guy Sheriff Baldwyn, Alex Mugnaioni has a lot of fun and Katherine Manners as his side-kick Simpkins is a comic delight. Ellen Robinson gives a strong performance as Marian and really comes into her own strength as the evening progressed. As the defiant Betty, Stephanie Marion Fayerman had some lovely moments as the voice of the rebellion. Narrating the action, Nandi Bhebhe’s lovely vocal made Jenny Moore’s score soar and Charlotte Beaumont gave a lively performance as Bhebhe’s partner in crime, Little Joan. As our King, Paul Hunter gave a boisterous performance. Drugged up for most of the story, Hunter’s physical comedy shone as he made scene-stealing turns whenever onstage.
Surrounded by the real forest of Regents Park, Chiara Stephenson’s set design was very effective. Stephenson used large rock-filled metal towers as climbers for the cast, allowing them to hide, jump and frolic around the stage in a manner befitting merry men. As the evening grew late, Zoe Spurr’s lighting design came into its own and we were instantly transported into the story once more. Good use was made of John Bulleid’s fantastic illusions as fingers and heads were dismembered, magic ensued and the arrows began to fly. Although fun and imaginative, as a whole the show feels muddled and slightly unfinished. Not all the elements land as the audience sees period costumes combined with construction worker hi-vis or pagan ceremonies coupled with contemporary music. Carl Groses’ script really turns the legend of Robin Hood on its head. With narration, running gags, beheadings, and a chest full of talking fingers, one has to wonder if it’s all a bit too much.
As birds sing and fly around the action onstage in act one and the lighting is picked up at dusk and the magic is reborn in act two, Regents Park Open Air Theatre is such a special treat. While recommended for ages 10+, Robin Hood: The Legend. Re-Written. is an enjoyable evening with heart, humour and a new take on the classic story.
