Meet you in the forest, you’ll know where, and listen for the rumble of rebellion.
Life in Sherwood Forest isn’t all nuts and berries for Rob, a runaway and our reluctant hero, especially when the Sheriff 's sickening soldiers are on his tail! When he stumbles upon a Very Merry Band, will they march to the beat of his drum in the fight for justice and freedom?
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| Jennifer Jackson. |
Written by "one of the most astute and stylish contemporary theatre makers around" (The Stage), writer Daniel Bye's thrilling new adaptation of the legend of Robin Hood pulses with the irrepressible spirit of youthful friendships and the quest for a fairer world, igniting this timeless tale for a new generation.
The production runs at The Egg at Bath's Theatre Royal from 29th November until 11th January 2025. Ahead of the run we sat down with director Jennifer Jackson to learn more.
What can you tell me about this production of Robin Hood?
Our new production of Robin Hood feels entirely fresh, even though it’s a familiar tale. The established themes of justice and resisting corruption remains - but in our world, Robin and the merry band are four young people who end up on the wrong side of the law. We follow them as they resist the law, become kindred spirits, and ultimately change the world. It's a generous and joyful examination of the ways in which we are cast in roles against our will, the ‘outlaw’, for example, and how we can reclaim ownership of our own stories and our own lives. The show also uses bold storytelling, movement and song in a really exciting way, and I hope it’s going to be a great night out at the theatre.
Our new production of Robin Hood feels entirely fresh, even though it’s a familiar tale. The established themes of justice and resisting corruption remains - but in our world, Robin and the merry band are four young people who end up on the wrong side of the law. We follow them as they resist the law, become kindred spirits, and ultimately change the world. It's a generous and joyful examination of the ways in which we are cast in roles against our will, the ‘outlaw’, for example, and how we can reclaim ownership of our own stories and our own lives. The show also uses bold storytelling, movement and song in a really exciting way, and I hope it’s going to be a great night out at the theatre.
What research do you do when developing ideas for the production?
I start with the story, and sort of explode the idea out from there. When you look at the Robin Hood myth, there have been so many retellings, so many poems, ballads and theories about him, that what I came back to again and again, was a world in chaos, with an absent leader, and a society experiencing injustice at the hands of the interim leader. Robin Hood is a source of hope, of justice and an icon for those resisting corruption. When you think of the story in those terms, it feels very contemporary. So, for me, looking at medieval imagery, reading around the history of the time, as well as looking young political movements like occupy and Extinction Rebellion became the melting pot for the show. I wanted a collision of contemporary and medieval styles, images, and song. I worked with the designer April Dalton to create the world of the show, and she’s brought that mix to life for us, with some beautiful interventions into the space, and some wit and humour too. It’s a glorious space at the egg, and we wanted to use the height of the space, and to conjure the forest out of the theatre, almost like the theatre has sprouted a forest out of the floor and lighting rig.
How do you approach getting in the mind of a younger audience member?
I have nieces and nephews who remind me what it’s like to be a young person. We also have two children in the show, and their responses to the rehearsals keeps the space alive, and reminds us of when it’s working, and when it’s not, and what parts of the story is landing. I also think there are themes in the work that children will relate to; children feel quite deeply about fairness, and injustice, and yet are not listened to in society. I also love bringing silliness and play to my productions, and everyone, whatever your age, loves to feel joy.
How do you mentally prepare for a run?
I tend to absorb myself in lots of music and the world of the play.
I tend to absorb myself in lots of music and the world of the play.
What are your favourite Christmas traditions?
My sister holds a Christmas Eve party every year. It’s a moment to touch base with family and friends.
My sister holds a Christmas Eve party every year. It’s a moment to touch base with family and friends.
What keeps you inspired?
I love dance, live art and visual art, and take inspiration from all those fields, but the place I go for the big moments of inspiration is the sports spectacle. I am obsessed with the virtuosity of competitive sports like judo and running, and have also made shows about these! The whole gamut of human experience played out in a game, with audience cheering, crying, clapping. It’s a space for myth building, and I am fascinated with who gets to tell their stories, and on what terms.
I love dance, live art and visual art, and take inspiration from all those fields, but the place I go for the big moments of inspiration is the sports spectacle. I am obsessed with the virtuosity of competitive sports like judo and running, and have also made shows about these! The whole gamut of human experience played out in a game, with audience cheering, crying, clapping. It’s a space for myth building, and I am fascinated with who gets to tell their stories, and on what terms.
What do you hope an audience member feels when watching the show?
I hope the audience comes away feeling uplifted and connected to each other, and that they have enjoyed their time with us! I would love it if they were also thinking about what we can achieve when we work together towards a common purpose,
I hope the audience comes away feeling uplifted and connected to each other, and that they have enjoyed their time with us! I would love it if they were also thinking about what we can achieve when we work together towards a common purpose,
Who do you imagine enjoying the show the most?
It’s a show for all the family, but I hope the first-time audiences and young audiences have a wonderful time. I hope children come away with a sense of empowerment, and that they have had a great laugh along the way.
It’s a show for all the family, but I hope the first-time audiences and young audiences have a wonderful time. I hope children come away with a sense of empowerment, and that they have had a great laugh along the way.
Where can audiences see the show?
We are on at The Egg at Theatre Royal Bath during the holiday season: https://www.theatreroyal.org.uk/events/robin-hood
We are on at The Egg at Theatre Royal Bath during the holiday season: https://www.theatreroyal.org.uk/events/robin-hood
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