Outlaws: A Robin Hood Story at Grosvenor Park Outdoor Theatre Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Alexander Wilde
Rousing rebels! Robin Hood and his Merry Men have set-up camp at Grosvenor Park in the heart of Chester as part of Storyhouse’s Summer programme of open-air theatre. Throughout August, a cast of the highest calibre are bringing these celebrated outlaws to life in this immersive, unique and accessible setting.
Every theatre visit is special; however, there’s something undeniably magical about an open-air show. Grosvenor Park is a well-maintained and picturesque green space, and the purpose-built amphitheatre is nestled within a festival-style encampment which creates a unique experience and summertime vibe. Gathered together, part of the story, surrounded by mature trees and the open skies above, this of course fits extremely well with the time-period of Robin Hood. It is effortless to believe you have been transported to medieval Nottingham and Sherwood Forest. The site opens well before performances begin for food, drink and merriment. Delicious pizzas, street food and select drinks can be ordered online in advance to ensure you don’t miss out.
The auditorium is designed well, with on the ground seating, including wheelchair spaces, and tiered terraces ensuring excellent views from every angle, whilst preserving the intimacy of theatre-in-the-round. Inclusively, all productions have closed captions screens displaying the dialogue.
Storyhouse’s Summer programme at Grosvenor Park is a jam-packed, ten weeks of theatre, film, comedy, music, family fun and much more. ‘Outlaws: A Robin Hood Story’ is one of four productions this season, and, as a family, we were absolutely delighted to make the journey for this show.
Robin Hood is an enduring legend and has entertained audiences for generations; writer Kieran Lynn takes the best of the familiar fables and fires a bow of wit, pace and contemporary flair. This is a fresh and fast-paced adventure which hits the target, scene after scene.
Lawrence Hodgson-Mullings plays the enduring hero we know and love: he’s charismatic, quick-witted and effortlessly engaging, he commands the amphitheatre from his first entrance. He has an infectious confidence, with an underlying sincerity and vulnerability, which rounds out the character and his past well. His Maid Marion is no damsel in distress – Annabelle Aquino very much plays his equal. She in intelligent, fearless and fiercely independent. She is a driver of the narrative and a refreshing reinterpreted role-model for modern and young audiences. The chemistry between the pair feels entirely natural, creating a partnership built upon mutual respect as much as romance.
I also liked her relationship with her mother, Rose, played by Kate Milner Evans, whose matriarchal story balanced the challenges of family, loyalty and sacrifice – giving additional emotional depth.
The heart of the production belongs to Perry Moore’s Little John. Beneath the humour and larger-than-life camaraderie lies a deeply loyal friend whose relationship with Robin provides some of the evening’s most touching moments. Their friendship feels authentically warm. As it equally does so with the wider ensemble of the not-so-male Merry Men (a gem of a running-gag throughout – particularly when they get ‘masculine’).
Robin’s nemesis, the Sheriff of Nottingham (Lucas Button), offers something rather more layered than the typical one-dimensional villain, the production explores a shared past between Robin and the Sheriff, revealing that the pair grew up together in the same orphanage. This additional backstory creates a fascinating dynamic between hero and antagonist, adding moral complexity to their encounters and just not good vs evil. His story arc is particularly satisfying.
My favourite was David Ahmad relishing every deliciously over-the-top moment as King John. Petulant, vain and gloriously self-absorbed, his comic timing was impeccable. There were unmistakable echoes of Disney’s animated classic, with every exaggerated tantrum and inflated sense of self-importance provoking laughter and panto-esque booing and hissing.
There were no small parts in the production, and the actors were adept at the wholehearted embrace of audience participation. Characters exchanged knowing glances, playful winks and spontaneous conversations with the audience, while entrances and exits from all four corners of the amphitheatre ensured everyone felt involved. The stars made full use of the circular performance space, frequently venturing up and down the terraces. The projection and vocal clarity across the entire company was exemplary, particularly impressive in an outdoor setting where natural acoustics can often prove challenging.
The central heist tale was easy to follow without sacrificing excitement or emotional investment, this ensured children remained captivated while adults appreciated the wit, references and nuanced characterisation. The simple staging and practical effects were immersive, perfectly blended with thrilling action and skilfully choreographed fight scenes. Costumes remained faithful to the time-period and the character’s status.
Music also played a significant role in creating the production’s infectious atmosphere. Members of the cast perform live folk-inspired tunes before seamlessly transitioning into inventive arrangements of recognisable late twentieth-century pop classics. These clever musical reworkings felt entirely at home within the medieval world, prompting enthusiastic clapping, stomping and singing from the audience. The sense of collective celebration was impossible to resist.
‘Outlaws: A Robin Hood Story’ is an irresistible adventure full of action, drama, heart, laughs, and romance, brought to life by a passionate band of cast and creatives. Grosvenor Park Outdoor Theatre is an experience that feels wonderfully different from a conventional theatre visit and one that leaves a lasting impression long after the final bow. A five-star caper for all ages!
Rating: 5/5
Tickets are great value, starting at £24.
In the park until Sunday 23rd August 2026, for more information or to book tickets visit https://www.storyhouse.com/whats-on/outlaws/ or call the Box Office on: 01244 409 113
Grosvenor Park, Chester CH1 1QQ
Travelling to Chester by car was easy, however leave yourself plenty of time for parking and walking to the venue. Nearby on-street parking is extremely limited, so I recommend finding a car park in advance. Both the local bus and train station are within 10 minutes walking distance.