Theatre / bristol old vic theatre school
Review: Robin Hood and Marian, The Redgrave Theatre – ‘Refreshing, fun and full of strong performances’
It’s hard not to be swept along when to a person, the ensemble in front of you are clearly having an absolute ball on stage.
Robin Hood and Marian is a vigorous, energetic and fun-filled family show from the students of Bristol Old Vic Theatre School (BOVTS), whose talent is clearly as abundant as their enthusiasm.
And though the world of the Nottingham outlaws is the stuff of well-worn legend, BOVTS manage to give us a fresh take on a classic.
is needed now More than ever
Robin Hood and Marian (BOVTS) – photo: Craig Fuller
It’s pleasing to see the feisty and fearless Marian (played with gusto by Melina Sinadinou) getting deserved co-headline status with Robin Hood (the commanding Samuel Bell) in this swashbuckling romp.
Together they outsmart Queen Eleanor (Zoe Doughty), the witless Prince John (Kerr Louden) and his cronies, and succeed in turning enemies into allies largely through the promise of honey wine and venison pasties for anyone that enters Sherwood Forest.
Along the way, we are treated to a host of song and dance numbers, belted out in style by impressively strong singers across the board.
Zoe Doughty as Queen Eleanor in Robin Hood and Marian (BOVTS) – photo: Craig Fuller
The tightly written script rattles along, and is peppered with plenty of jokes; my six year old was delighted by the constant and delicious stream of insults reeled out by Young Much (Anna Murphy).
Many of the laughs are reserved for Ephraim Sampson as the easily manipulated Tuck, and Tommy Belshaw as Hubert the archer – who insists on introducing his full lineage at every opportunity.
But ultimately it’s a production directed (by Derek Bond) in such a way that all members of the ensemble can shine.
Ephraim Sampson as Tuck in Robin Hood and Marian (BOVTS) – photo: Craig Fuller
Aldo Vázquez’s design is innovative and eye-catching; the costumes (made by Bethany Boldero, Shanice Dacres, Eleanor Duncan and Gracie Green) are fabulous too.
Perhaps unsurprisngly given that it comes from a theatre school, Robin Hood and Marian is veritably bursting at the seams with ideas: we get choreography, fight sequences, archery, slow-mo and clever lighting effects.
While it all serves to demonstrate the diversity of talent on show both on and off stage, the production would stand up with less. To my mind at least, the dragon puppet was surplus to requirements, though it was undeniably beautifully made and deftly manipulated.
Tommy Belshaw as Hubert in Robin Hood and Marian (BOVTS) – photo: Craig Fuller
Ultimately, this crop of performers didn’t put a foot wrong, and the rapturous applause they elicited is testament to the fact that they deserve every success.
The decision to end the show with a triumphant all-cast jump into a blackout was very apt for a production which feels light, refreshing and fun throughout.
Robin Hood and Marian (2022) – photo: BOVTS
Robin Hood and Marian (age recommendation 7+) is at The Redgrave Theatre until December 2, with both matinee and evening performances; show times vary. Tickets are available at www.redgravetheatre.com.
Main photo: Craig Fuller
Read more: Review: Picnic at Hanging Rock, The Wardrobe Theatre – ‘An excellent piece of direction’
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