Stage Review: Guildford Shakespeare Company’s Robin Hood

Published on: 20 Jun, 2018
Updated on: 20 Jun, 2018

By Alice Fowler

May Day in Nottingham, some time in the 12th century. A young outlaw, Scarlet of Gamwell, has been captured and the cruel sheriff orders her execution. A hooded figure steps up to do the deed – but wait, what is this? The executioner pulls back his cape – and there revealed is Robin Hood, hero of the people, who sees off the Sheriff of Nottingham’s men and whisks his friend to safety.

Scarlet (Sally Cheng) faces the executioner’s axe.

So begins the Guildford Shakespeare’s Company (GSC) new version of Robin Hood, a glorious, fast-paced romp through one of England’s greatest legends.

The GSC never shies from a fight and, in the wooded surrounds of Racks Close, arrows soar, fists fly and swords flash silver.

The outlaws’ camp, hidden in the forest.

Gavin Fowler stars as Robin Hood, amply aided by James Sheldon as Little John. GSC favourite Chris Porter plays such a menacing sheriff that, at times, the outcome of the story almost seems in doubt.

Robin Hood enjoys a cup of the King’s mead.

While we all know something of Robin Hood – robbing the rich to help the poor and winning Maid Marian along the way – there is no single ‘true’ version of the story. GSC writer Ant Stones has produced his own script, adding new twists along the way: brought brilliantly to the stage by director Richard Neale and designer Neil Irish. Original music and songs drift through the trees, enhancing the outdoor setting.

Paula James plays Lady Marian, a woman strong enough to stand up both to Robin – whose courage sometimes falters – and to the sheriff, who seeks to marry her for her lands. GSC co-founder Sarah Gobran is Marian’s aunt, the formidable Prioress, whose moral authority is as questionable as the Sheriff’s.

No way out? Robin Hood (Gavin Fowler) awaits his fate.

Robert Maskell, meanwhile, is wonderful as Friar Tuck, a bumbling, drunken figure who stumbles on the outlaws’ camp. When Tuck discovers the cruel fate that awaits the young orphans cared for the Prioress (played by members of the GSC Young Company), he too finds the strength to fight injustice.

Just as last summer, with their memorable version of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the GSC makes full use of the slopes and dells of Racks Close.

This tucked away space, so close to the town centre but surprisingly unknown, takes on a starring role itself as the light fades and the chill of night falls over the outlaws’ camp.

Can good really triumph over evil? We all know the answer but so talented is the GSC that, as Robin and the Friar writhe in chains, the audience can only wait, with bated breath, to find out.