Robin Hood stands up on my pedestal alongside Father Christmas and King Arthur. He is a legend and a role model for children and adults of all ages as one of those historical or legendary figures that are important because, “we all need someone to believe in”. So, it was always going to be an easy choice for me to accept Michael Millward’s invitation to York Theatre Royal to see The Arrow of Destiny with him.
Arrow of Destiny, an interpretation of the legend with the promise of a twist in the tale to fit with our time, is the York Theatre Royal’s summer fun family show for 2017. As soon as we arrive at the Theatre we enter a medieval greenwood with a serenade of birdsong in the foyer.
As with all good family entertainment Arrow of Destiny, has something for everyone from magic, songs, comedy and romance to a talking tree, scary monsters and puppets.
The action starts with a brave and strong Marian taking on the role that we usually expect of Robin Hood, and providing as a result a strong role model that the modern young girls in the audience can identify with and perhaps that their parents will appreciate. Arrow of Destiny tells the story of Marian’s search for the legendary and elusive Robin Hood who she believes will protect her and the villagers from the dastardly Sheriff of Nottingham. All of the traditional characters are there from Friar Tuck, Little John, Will Scarlet and Guy of Gisborne, all of whom are portrayed in ways that challenge both our recollections of the legend and modern-day stereotypes.
Any story about Robin Hood is going to include a large slice of archery and Arrow of Destiny is no different, but as Marian searches for Robin Hood she also learns about her own destiny, self-reliance and valuing people for being the person that they are, rather than for what we have been told about them or indeed what we want them to be.
Arrow of Destiny is a carefully structured drama with a script that is loaded with metaphors and analogies, that works as summertime entertainment for children of all ages. It is a retelling of a legend which uses traditional characterisation ploys to portray the society that we live in today. For the inquisitive younger audience members, this might give rise to questions that could provide an opportunity to have important discussions.
The action is non-stop, with plenty of laughs and brilliant songs (often in a modern, rapping style) and engaging characters. A magical Oak King is always on hand with appropriate motivational morale boosting catchphrases like ‘it definitely won’t work if you don’t try’, and ‘sometimes we have to face our fears’. From start to end every aspect of this show is delivered by an excellent cast headed by Siobhan Athwal who glows as Marian, John Elkington, who is cheekily devilish as the Sheriff of Nottingham and Joanna Holden who is convincing in all the parts she plays, especially Little John.
A brilliant young supporting cast, switches roles between villagers, Merry Men and soldier guards without leaving a memory of the last characters they were playing. The set design is a demonstration of how the simplest elements can transport us from a wet evening in York to the glories of Sherwood Forest.
So, as we emerge from the theatre the rain doesn’t seem to matter, we have enjoyed a couple of hours of family-orientated fun and perhaps learnt that legends like Robin Hood are not made by individuals but by all of us creating something that provides us with the hope that injustice can be overcome and the world become a better place.
You can see Robin Hood: The Arrow of Destiny at York Theatre Royal until 2nd September 2017
During the day Michael Millward is a human resources professional