Val Ruloff, our Community Reviewer thoroughly enjoyed the Torch Youth Theatre's production of Robin Hood: Legend of the Black Knight. Read her review below...

"This merry bunch of ne'er do wells", quoth Robin's friends ... Well, well, well! This merry bunch do stunningly well!!

The main event has arrived! Every taste bud, all appetites, satisfied now- following the tempting taster offered by rehearsals all those weeks ago.

This Youth theatre production is a smash hit- and more than amply fills many previous "big shoes" to tell this beloved and favourite tale, with its own unique take on the legend! 

Tim Howe, Senior Manager- Youth and Community, can be justly proud- as can each and every one of the total 53 ensemble of cast members.

Neo, Dan,  Zane, Lacey, Caitlyn, Hugo, Darcy, Isobel, Callie, Jacob and Jacob, Katya, Dylan, Ariel, Tommy, Oliver, Tyler, Evelyn, Charlotte, Casper, Marnie- just to name but a few of the total 53- more than stepped up to deliver the original promise offered all those weeks ago.

Yes- Robin Hood: The Legend of the Black Knight has got it all! The Medieval period setting is beautifully captured by the costumes and the locations. The scenery and the lighting and the sound effects and musical score are atmospheric. Sherwood Forest, glades, castles- surroundings fit for romance and a beautiful finale.

We're transported right where we need to be- and then shuttled and hurtled back and forth between events taking place over ten years in time. A cantering pace ensures we're gripped and attention remains rapt. I could have watched for hours more- so absorbed was I and so fast did those unfolding decades fly back and forth!

The iconic characters are all here, of course! We meet with Robin Hood, Little John, Maid Marian, Queen Eleanor, Lady Loxley, Alan- a- Mor, Will Scarlet, Friar Tuck, the Sheriff of Nottingham, Lord and Lady Fitzwalter, Stephen the messenger and... at long last... the enigmatic Black Knight is ultimately revealed!! The characters are portrayed with great conviction by some very familiar youth theatre faces- newer faces feature, too. A whole range of ages are represented- especially enabled by the time passage of the story.

The story is packed to overflowing with all the best ingredients- adventure, mystery, slapstick, knock about antics, fun packed gentle humour, marvellously light hearted comic touches, drama, thrills and spills.

Robbing the rich to give to the poor is re-enacted. The legend Is then reimagined with an interesting twist, unfolding to tell much of good versus evil, before right eventually prevails against wrong. The script and dialogue are superb, hitting the mark with some stand-out set pieces and characterisations- and even a surprise double-act!! The acting performances and timing are excellent, very professional- eliciting the whole gamut of emotional responses from my daughter and myself, as well as whole audience appreciation.

I was delighted to view the props at last- including the much-anticipated beauty of the emerald ring, the medallions and also minstrel's lute (or small guitar), "monk" and "old lady disguise" and alms collection accessories,  even bandages fit to grace any first aid kit!!

The upshot is that thrills, intrigue and dynamism are realised in full- the atmosphere fully charged.

Let's all chime in and chant- as we join Robin in his monk disguise one last time- for a rousing chorus...

A....men!

Image: Chris Lloyd.