Wanted! Robin Hood

For this year's Christmas offering the Library Theatre Company have taken the legend of Robin Hood and given it their own twist. Instead of being the idealist so often portrayed in film and television, this is set earlier in Robin's life when he is the leader of a band of thieves, stealing from anyone they can.

The plot still contains many of the well-known events in Robin and Marion's lives, but weaves them into the reasons for Robin becoming the character of legend. The story is told more from Marion's perspective and her role also becomes the narrator but it works extremely well.

Ciaran Kellgren is a puckish Robin, lively and mischievous, ably backed up by his companions Little John (Umar Malik), Much (Dan Parr) and Will (Oliver Llewellyn-Jenkins) while Friar Tuck (Peter Landi) acts as their conscience. Amelia Donkor as Marion is excellent as a feisty young woman bound by her father's agreement which restricts her actions. Emilio Doorgasingh is wonderful as the evil Walter Fitzwarren, Sheriff of Nottingham, while Christopher Wright is manipulative steward Eustace. But the show is stolen at times by the two child actors who play the young Robin (Lewis Hamilton) and Marion (Tillie Amartey) who give soul to the love between Robin and Marion.

Designer Hayley Grindle creates a set which makes a stunning castle, although the forest takes a little more imagination, it is highly effective. Charles Way's script is beautifully crafted allowing Director Amy Leach to bring together script and actors to form an evening of wonderful entertainment.

A must see for anyone over six this Christmas.

Wanted! Robin Hood is at the Lowry until 11 January, 2014.

– Helen Jones