REVIEW: Robin Hood at The Dukes, Lancaster

This year’s festive production at The Dukes is fun for all of the family.

The theatre’s take on ‘Robin Hood’, written by Andrew Pollard and directed by Kirstie Davis, is set in Lancaster and the Forest of Bowland, and features many of the characters from the original tales, such as Tuck, Ellen-a-Dale, the Sheriff and Maid Marian.

The whole cast put in a fantastic performance on the night. Jacob Butler was the perfect Robin Hood but was also brilliant at getting the audience to join in throughout.

The dynamic between him and Lucas Cheong Smith, who was equally as entertaining as the charming yet villainous Sheriff of Nottingham, was really good for the moments they were on stage together.

Althea Burey’s role as Maid Marian was also really well performed.

It was great to see Helen Longworth and Amy Drake playing roles that have usually been given to male actors in the past - Ellen-a-Dale (a twist on Alan-a-Dale) and Tuck. They provided the audience with some of the funniest parts of the show.

This versatile cast were equally as good in their other roles, ranging from farm sheep to city mayors!

Like any good pantomime, the audience were at the centre of it and two young, lucky members were cast by those on stage as Robin Hood’s other two merry friends, Will and Joan.

There were moments where all the audience could join in with chants and songs, including ‘Stronger Together’.

There were loads of laughs from kids and adults alike, with the odd cheeky line thrown into what was a real family treat.

The on-stage set was impressive and made you feel almost as if you were in the Forest of Bowland yourself!

Morecambe got a couple of mentions too, maybe not in the most positive way though – beware the town’s giant man-eating shrimp!

Robin Hood is a must watch for families in the local area at a theatre well-known for its great seasonal productions. It is performed by a brilliant cast and will have the whole family gripped.

For some of the upcoming shows, there are only a few tickets remaining and those going to watch in the next few weeks will not be disappointed.

You can visit The Dukes website to book tickets for ‘Robin Hood’ which is running until December 31.