Make a date for musical Robin Hood

THINK of music for Robin Hood and most people will immediately start singing the theme tune to the 1955 show. It starts, as if you needed reminding, Robin Hood, Robin Hood, riding through the glen.

But versions of the famous tale of the Sherwood Forest resident who stole from the rich to give to the poor don’t always include music. Well, not unless you count the Pancake Day song from Maid Marian and Her Merry Men, the popular CBBC series from the 1980s.

So this summer, South Hill Park will be presenting a brand-new take on the legend of the man who lived in the forest with his merry men, much to the frustration of King John.

Robin Hood – A Musical Celebration will be performed at the Bracknell-based arts centre from Friday, August 17 to Sunday, August 19, and Thursday, August 23 to Monday, August 27.

Audiences will be transported around the musical maypole and into the English countryside as a troupe of village players share the legends of Robin Hood and his band, with well-loved tales of Friar Tuck, Little John, Maid Marian, and more in this lyrical production.

The show follows in the footsteps of previous South

Hill Park summer productions including Alice In Wonderland, Peter Pan and last year’s The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2017).

Robin Hood – A Musical Celebration is an award-winning adaptation by David Wood – familiar to older readers for his work on All Star Record Breakers, more recently he has adapted Roald Dahl books such as George’s Marvellous Medicine and The BFG for the stage.

His take on the Sherwood Forest adventure was first produced at Nottingham Playhouse and subsequently staged by the Young Vic in London.

The songs has been penned by David and Toni Arthur – Toni is a former presenter of Play School and also Women’s Hour.

Tickets have already gone on sale at £21, £17.50 for members £17.50 and £15 for concessions. The noon performance on Thursday August 23 will be a Relaxed ‘autism friendly’ performance.

For tickets to Robin Hood – A Musical Celebration and picnic orders call 01344 484123 or visit southhillpark.org.uk