4 STARS, June 14-30. You know summer has truly begun when the GSC starts its season of open-air theatre. This year they perform Robin Hood and Alison Hunt finds plenty of merriment to be had in Sherwood Forest/Rack's Close chalk quarry
Photo Credit: Matt Pereira
If you’ve never seen a Guildford Shakespeare Company’s (GSC) production you really should – this award-winning theatre group likes to take a classic tale, creatively re-imagine it and perform it to a modern audience in the most surprising locations.
This summer’s open-air season currently features everyone’s favourite outlaw – Robin Hood. It is being performed outdoors in Rack’s Close, a former chalk quarry in the centre of town that creates the perfect woodland backdrop for the Sherwood Forest tale and while the performance begins at either 14:30 or 19:30, the venue is open for picnics for an hour beforehand.
Without giving too much away, the story begins with the annual May Day Festival in 12th Century Nottingham. We learn King Richard is away on crusade, leaving Prince John to rule in his name (and raise taxes).
The Sheriff of Nottingham (boo, hiss) is of course delighted to collect said taxes from the poor Nottingham villagers, evicting and imprisoning those that can’t pay which infuriates a chap called Robin and his band of outlaws hiding in Sherwood Forest.
When one of the outlaws, Scarlet of Gamwell is seized by the Sheriff, a daring rescue ensues and Nottingham’s chief baddie vows to capture them all.
In the meantime, poor Lady Marian appears to be almost betrothed the evil Sheriff, although her heart belongs to Robin and as for what is going on at the Priory it is anyone’s guess. Thankfully, Robin and his outlaws are on hand to fight for justice.
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Photo Credit: Matt Pereira
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Photo Credit: Matt Pereira
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Photo Credit: Matt Pereira
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Photo Credit: Matt Pereira
This being the Guildford Shakespeare Company we had high expectations for the innovative use of the Rack’s Close venue, and they didn’t disappoint. Director Richard Neale had actors entering from all sides and heights, with outlaws regularly running or even crawling in amongst us ‘villager’ audience members (one boy was delighted to be ‘high-fived’ by a rebel).
With such a small band of actors there is no room for error and all of them play their (numerous) characters brilliantly, with clear diction and beautiful singing. Gavin Fowler plays Robin with just the right blend of charm and arrogance while Paula James’ Lady Marian and Sally Cheng’s Scarlet have feisty independence to spare. Chris Porter, as the Sheriff is as mean a baddie as you could wish, and not bad with a sword to boot.
Sarah Gobran is superbly convincing as the deceitful Prioress as well as heartbroken mother, Much. Little John (James Sheldon) and Alan-a-Dale (Chris Porter) play their roles with aplomb with Friar Tuck (Robert Maskell) adding a certain gravitas with his wonderful voice.
Writer, Ant Stones revealed that he asked everyone he knew what they’d want to see in the play and discovered ‘archery, staff fights, a nasty Sheriff and kick-ass Marian’ to be top of the list and has delivered on all counts, with enough fights to impress even my ten-year old son.
This being immersive theatre, be prepared to move around a little as different scenes are performed in different locations. What’s more, while we were blessed with a perfect evening, we all know what the English summer can be like, so come prepared! But if you want to see a truly innovative performance in a fabulous location, go and check out Robin Hood.
Tickets: guildford-shakespeare-company.co.uk
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