The Adventures of Robin Hood

I don't usually cover plays for young people: my poor shaving routine and inability to find a companion for my visits to theatre ensures that I look like a freak sitting at the end of a row consisting of a primary school party. However, I did manage to get to Eastwood Park to see Oliver Emanuel's Adventures of Robin Hood. After Dragon, I am interested in what he'd make of a story that I loved as a child. 

It turns out that I saw it before the official press night, and the Critic Code of Honour means I cannot give it a formal review. Luckily, that allows me to say simply that it is worth a look, especially for fans of cardboard boxes and imaginative storytelling - although my allergy to crisps was antagonised by Robin's habit of munching down on packs of Cheese and Onion during the action. 

Anyway, back to the churnalism. Press release begins...


UK Premier in co commission with The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington D.C

Visible Fictions presents The Legend of Robin Hood , a new and surprising take on the outlaw we all know so well.  Played by two actors, Billy Mack and Martin McCormick, the setting is less of a Sherwood Forest, and more of an everyday place where a tale can be told and objects can be reinvented. Playful, imaginative and fast paced, all the characters are there, in one way or another, along with a host of cardboard boxes, shopping trolleys and food. 

Those cardboard boxes become Nottingham Castle at one point. That was cool. 

Douglas Irvine, the shows Director explains “Sometimes it’s the simple things that are the most interesting, the cardboard box that becomes a spaceship is far more exciting than the items inside. I am enjoying experimenting with where our imaginations can take us, and this version of The Adventures of Robin Hood invites the audience to come on that journey with us.”

“Visible Fictions is a highly respected company that consistently produces excellent new works for young audiences,”explains Kim Peter Kovac, Director of Theater for Young Audiences at the Kennedy Center. “We are happy to join forces to bring a new work to our international theater festival”.


Tour listings

14 March @ 19.00

The Brunton

Ladywell Way

Musselburgh, EH21 6AA

0131 665 2240 / thebrunton.co.uk

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15 March @ 19.00

Cumbernauld Theatre

Kildrum

Cumbernauld, G67 2BN

01236 732 887 / cumbernauldtheatre.co.uk

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15 April @ 19.30

Mull Theatre

Tobermory

Isle of Mull, PA75 6QB.

01688 302828 / bookings@comar.co.uk

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18 April @ 14.00

Howden Park

Howden

Livingston, EH54 6AE

01506 777 666 / howdenparkcentre.co.uk

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19 April @ 14.00

macrobert

University of Stirling

Stirling, FK9 4LA

01786 466 666 / macrobert.org

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22 April @ 19.00

23 April @ 10.30

Eden Court Theatre

Bishop's Road

Inverness IV3 5SA

01463 239 841 / eden-court.co.uk

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26 April @ 19.00

The Lemon Tree

5 West North Street

Aberdeen, AB24 5AT

01224 641 122 / boxofficeaberdeen.com

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28 April @ 13.30 & 19.00

Platform

1000 Westerhouse Road

Glasgow, G34 9JW

0141 276 9696 (opt 1) / platform-online.co.uk

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29 April @ 13.30 & 19.00

Carnegie Hall

East Port

Dunfermline, KY12 7JA

01383 602 302 / onfife.com

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30 April @ 13.30

The Town House

102 Cadzow Street

Hamilton, ML3 6HH

01698 452299 / sllcboxoffice.co.uk

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2 May @ 13.30

Rutherglen Town Hall

Main Street

Rutherglen

G73 2JJ

0141 613 5700 / sllcboxoffice.co.uk

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3 May @ 14.00

Palace Theatre

9 Green St

Kilmarnock

Ayrshire, KA1 3BN

01563 554900 / visiteastayrshire.com