TJ Holmes stars in Robin Hood: The Legend. Re-written at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre written by former Kneehigh Co-Artistic Director Carl Grose (The Grinning Man, Dead Dog in a Suitcase).
Melly Still directs Charlotte Beaumont (Little Joan), Nandi Bhebhe (The Balladeer / Jenny), Stephanie Marion Fayerman (Betty), Dave Fishley (Bob Much), Samuel Gosrani (Will Scatlocke), TJ Holmes (Brasswilt / Robin Hood), Paul Hunter (The King), Katherine Manners (Simpkins), Shaun Yusuf McKee (Brokebrick / Robin Hood), Alex Mugnaioni (Baldwyn), Simon Oskarsson (Boneweather / Robin Hood), Ellen Robertson (Marian), Dumile Sibanda (Woodnut), Ira Mandela Siobhan (Gisburne), Elexi Walker (Mary Tuck), and musicians Amena Alicia El-Kindy, Taya Ming and Marta Miranda.
Think you know the story of Robin Hood? Think again.
Prepare for a thrilling new take on the classic tale, set in a desperate, divided kingdom where only the truly cunning can outwit the sheriff’s terrifying wrath. Promising humour, heart and a forest full of secrets, expect the arrows to fly in a bold new direction as trickery and truth collide with fiery results.
Robin Hood: The Legend. Re-written at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre will run from 17 June – 22 July.
You’re starring in Robin Hood: The Legend. Re-written at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, what can you tell us about the show?
In a world that’s being devoured by the privileged few, a hooded figure picks up their bow and dares to make a difference. It’s classic stuff, but from here our tale twists and turns like forest branches. Our director, Melly Still has shot the show through with action, magic and Jenny Moore’s soulful music, and has instilled it with a celebration of things that deep down connect us all as humans.
What was it about Carl Grose’s new adaptation that made you so keen to be part of this production?
As you’d expect, Carl’s play is a fresh and witty take on the old tale. We encounter plenty of familiar characters – outlaw heroes, a conniving Sheriff, and greedy barons. There’s intrigue, derring-do, and adventure aplenty. But the time-honoured tropes have been given a new rebellious energy and profound resonance here.
How do you think audiences will react to this new interpretation of a classic story?
I can imagine audiences really investing in our story, and caring about the characters and their struggles, so they will hopefully feel by turns exhilarated, entertained and moved.
Tell us a little more about your role in the production, what are you enjoying most about it?
I’m playing Robin Hood, the first of three famous film versions of the character in fact, who endeavour to get involved in a story that is no longer about them. The ego-crisis which follows is a treat to play. The other Robins are brought to life by Shaun Yusuf McKee and Simon Oskarsson, and between us we also present beleaguered villagers, and a trio of entitled aristocrats. Variety is the spice!
And what are you looking forward to about working at the Open Air Theatre?
This is an epically conceived and staged production, so I can’t wait to get out there and conjure up the spirit of the green wood with our audiences. We’ll have this very special tree-embraced theatre on our side for sure. Oh, and I’m looking forward to having a cold beer afterwards in the theatre’s dangerously lovely bar.
What would you say to anyone thinking of booking to see Robin Hood: The Legend. Rewritten?
If you fancy seeing a ‘Robin Hood’ that has darkness and real heart while also bringing laughter and thrills, come join us. If, however, you fancy seeing a bloke leaping about in green tights, still come along, cause that’ll be me.
