Robin Hood, The Dukes Theatre At Williamson Park, Lancaster Review

DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW

Reviewed by Cath

The Dukes have been using the beautiful Williamson Park for outdoor productions for over 30 years now. We went to our first performance back in 1995 and it’s no exaggeration that the shows seem to get better every year. This summer, the legendary tale of Robin Hood has been given a fresh and imaginative twist by the creative team behind last year’s production of The Wizard of Oz, with writer Daniel Bye and director Elvi Piper once again at the helm.

Running throughout July and August, this open-air production makes the most of its spectacular surroundings. As you sit down to enjoy the play it doesn’t take much imagination to believe you’re deep in Sherwood Forest rather than sat in a park in Lancaster. With four different scenes, each set in a different part of the park if there was ever a production where the birdsong or rustling leaves deserved a supporting role, this is it. Walking around the park from scene to scene adds to the atmosphere and there is a friendly team to guide the audience safely to the next location.

With a cheeky nod to the 1991 Robin Hood Prince of Thieves film the show starts with a touch of Bryan Adams which really set the tone for the rest of the production. Having seen many of The Duke’s productions we know they like to put their own spin on a tale and of course this year is no exception. Instead of following the familiar legend this rendition of the story starts with an unexpected turn when kitchen hand Rob (Joe Parker) accidentally becomes the hero after killing Robin Hood. Meanwhile Maid Marian (Hope Yolanda) finds herself being forced into marriage with the wonderfully preposterous Prince Foppingham (Matthew Ganley) by the Sheriff (Ian Crowe). Crowe is an absolute scene stealer, delivering a fantastic over the top performance and whilst this isn’t a pantomime he channels the best panto villain energy into the role, clearly relishing every exaggerated sneer and dastardly act.

Foppingham is another brilliant character with almost every line landing a laugh. Matthew Ganley delivers him with just the right amount of pomp and ridiculousness, and whatever you do, don’t miss his little ditty at the end of the second scene. It’s an unexpected bit of comedy that had everyone around us in stitches. In fact, the second scene was our favourite of the evening as it’s packed full of laughs, and a brilliantly unexpected Livin’ On a Prayer mix that perfectly captures the show’s playful spirit. Add in some enthusiastic audience participation, including one rather wayward arrow that didn’t quite hit its intended target, and you have a fantastic family show that appeals on all levels.

Putting on a show of this size takes an enormous amount of work; the technical team are amazing setting up the lighting and sound at each location and then moving on ahead of the audience between each scene. Special effects, background music and sounds all add to the experience as does the weather! Just remember to pack a jumper and a waterproof as the weather in Lancashire is well known for being unpredictable!

Williamson Park is easy to find, it is signposted from the A6 and there’s plenty of parking around the park. The play starts at 7.15pm however many people take a picnic to eat before the show. Seating varies at each location, sometimes there are logs to sit on and in other locations the audience can sit on the ground.

Robin Hood at Williamson Park is a fantastic show and whether you’re introducing children to the theatre for the first time or simply looking for an enjoyable night out this production well and truly hits the bullseye.

Rating: 5/5

Robin Hood runs Tuesdays – Sundays until August 23rd at 7.15pm. Tickets cost from £17 and are available for purchase from dukeslancaster.org or by contacting The Dukes Theatre box office at 01524 598 500. Early booking is advised as the shows in Williamson Park are very popular and sell out quickly.
There is also an affordable ticket scheme with tickets for performance in July (excluding Saturdays) costing £10