A ‘dark’ adaptation of Robin Hood is set to play in Salford with the classic tale of archery, torture and love to be told through the perspective of Maid Marian.
As the Christmas season is nearly upon us, rehearsals for Wanted! Robin Hood, from the Library Theatre Company, are underway with performances at the Lowry Theatre from November 29 to January 11.
The play has been written by acclaimed writer Charles Way and is being directed by award-winning producer Amy Leach who was in charge of the hugely successful Arabian Nights last Christmas.
“The jokes in the play work for all ages and although it has been designed for a younger audience we haven’t left out any of the fight scenes or torture seasons which makes it quite dark,” said Miss Leach.
“Although the story is very well-known we have twisted some of the famous scenes to keep the audience on their toes.
“I prefer fast plays without moving sets, so you can move from one scene to the next really quickly.”
The combination of Miss Leach and the Library Theatre Company was prolific last year and she hopes to be as successful second-time around.
Miss Leach said: “Christmas time is often one of the only time that people can come to the theatre and we are hoping to inspire the younger audience that watch this production to come back again and again.”
Famed for his role as Peter Pan, Liverpool actor Ciaran Kellgren will take on the role of Robin Hood at the Lowry this Christmas.
“Playing the role of such a well-known character is great, I was really influenced by the cartoon version of Robin Hood,” said Ciaran.
“This Robin is more playful and fun which suits this production better. This version of the play is really intelligently written and works for the whole family.
“There are those big lovely moments that you can only get watching a play as well as tragic moments where you don’t know what will happen next.”
In the production the story is told through Marian of York’s perspective highlighting the problems that women faced living in a male-dominated world.
This is reinforced by the fact there are only eight cast members in the production where Amelia Donkor, who plays the part of Marian, is the only female.
Emilio Doorgasingh is set to play the imposing role of Walter Fitzwarren (Sherriff of Nottingham) after his successful role in last year’s Arabian Nights.
“The tale has been adapted for a young audience in some ways, but mostly the performance will stay the same,” said Mr Doorgasingh.
“This production is definitely not a panto it’s a dark and funny play which explores the relationships between characters.”
Image courtesy of Warner Bros via YouTube, with thanks.
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