Wanted Robin Hood at The Lowry Review

Wanted! Robin Hood
The Lowry, Manchester

29 November 2013 – 11 January 2014

www.librarytheatre.com/wanted-robin-hood

Reviewed by Debbie Tasker

The Library Theatre Company brought their adaptation of Wanted! Robin Hood, by Charles Way and directed by Amy Leach, to the Lowry Theatre this week just in time for Christmas. Myself and my grandson (aged 9) were lucky enough to be invited along to review this family friendly show.

The Quays theatre is the venue for Wanted! Robin Hood. Which I find is more intimate than the Lyric Theatre and was the perfect setting, you almost felt like you were in the woods and the castle at times.

I wasn't sure if this was a pantomime. It isn't, far from it. We are told the story of legendary Robin Hood, (played to perfection by Ciaran Kellgren) and his merry men through rhyme, music and comedy.

All the well-known characters are there Friar Tuck, Little John, Will Scarlett, the Sheriff of Nottingham and of course Maid Marian.

The set is basic, there are no scene changes, but clever props and good use of lighting create just the right atmosphere.

I found the variation in accents a little strange – Robin Hood was a Liverpudlian! but Kian didn't notice as he was too enthralled in the swords, knives, bows and arrows torture and murders. Yes there is a lot of these involved so if you don't like violence this might not be the show for you.

All the cast are fantastic and when they came amongst the audience at one stage the younger visitors were thrilled. I particularly enjoyed the bow and arrow contest and think everybody else did as well.

All too soon it was the happy ending and the show was over much to Kian’s disappointment. A great show for all ages from six upwards and a fantastic alternative to the traditional pantomime.

Rating: 4/5

Running time: 130 minutes (approx.)

Tickets cost from £11 to £22.50. For more information or to book tickets click here.

Ciaran Kellgren (Robin Hood) in Wanted! Robin Hood by Charles Way, directed by Amy Leach.
(The Library Theatre Company at The Lowry, Salford, 29 Nov 2013 – 11 Jan 2014, sponsored by Manchester Airport).

Photo by Jonathan Keenan.