Val Ruloff, our Community Reviewer, went along to a rehearsal of Robin Hood: Legend of the Black Knight by members of Torch Theatre's Youth production ... and she thoroughly enjoyed. 

"This merry bunch of ne'er do wells" say Robin's friends ... but this particular merry bunch do well!!

Already smashing it - and that's just the rehearsals!

Robbing the rich to give to the poor, the legend tells of good versus evil, right prevailing against wrong.

What a fabulous tale to be told here- such an all-time favourite, dearly loved story. The production has got bog shes to fill - and promises to do so with its own unique take. It's got it all- starting with the fascinating Medieval setting and wonderful costumes. Set pieces and locations in the midst of Sherwood Forest, glades, castles, dungeons and idyllic surroundings for a beautiful, romantic finale.

The script is peppered with mythical elements, insignia and objects - including an amazing emerald ring and medallions. Jam-packed to the rafters with delicious goodies, ripe for a rollickin' adventure, mystery, drama, romance and liberally sprinkled with comedy and humorous fun. My taste buds were well and truly tempted - now I'm hungry for the main event to be served up!

Fifty-three of the youth theatre players make up the ensemble cast- and what an impressively well cast troupe of professionals they prove to be! The characters are- of course- iconic. We're to be presented with Robin Hood, Little John , Maid Marian, Queen Eleanor, Lady Loxley, Alan- a- Mor, Will Scarlet, Friar Tuck, the Sheriff of Nottingham, not to mention the enigmatic Black Knight- all ably portrayed by some very familiar youth theatre members- as well as some newer faces, too. Plenty of scope for including the whole range of ages within the players is permitted by the passage of a decade in time.

There's Dan, Neo, Zane, Lacey, Caitlyn, Hugo, Darcy, Isobel, Callie, Jacob and Jacob, Katya, Dylan, Tommy, Oliver, Tyler, Evelyn, Charlotte, Casper, Marnie....  to name but a few of the total 53! With many coordinating their roles alongside studies and exams.

Tim Howe, Senior Manager- Youth and Community,  does an inimitable job- corralling the whole cast together. Soft shoe shuffle, tap routines- punctuated by cries of "Alive, alive- O!" - fish, rats, alms, taxes. "Neither fish, nor fowl, nor good red herring" springs to mind- to describe all direction featured in this imaginative mix, with Mel Hughes and Marce Ramirez on hand to provide skilful Assistant Direction. The result is thrilling and dynamic, and the atmosphere is charfged!

There's another score to settle... cue music! 

Big fanfare, now...

Let's all chime in and chant... like Robin in his very best monk disguise...

A....men!

Robin Hood can be seen on the Torch Theatre on Monday 20 July, Tuesday 21 July and Wednesday 22 July at 6.30pm. Price: £10 / concessions. Book tickets via the website torchtheatre.co.uk / Box Office: 01646 695267 or click here. 

Image: Ben Hall