This was Poppy’s first visit to Derby Theatre, so I was interested to see what she thought of it. We found the theatre easily and were soon at the Box Office speaking to the friendly staff. Although it was busy, we found the atmosphere relaxed and that helped Poppy to settle in quickly.
We were swiftly served at the cafe and soon made our way to our seats. The auditorium immediately put Poppy at her ease, as the lighting made it feel spacious and it had a very calm atmosphere.
Staff explained they were there if anyone needed help. Lights were left on low during the performance and the audience was given the assurance that it was okay to move around if needed. Volume levels were also reduced where necessary.
Written by Deborah McAndrew and directed by Sarah Brigham, what struck us about the show was that it was perfect for a relaxed performance as it was so inclusive. Add in Emily Bestow’s set design, Alexandra Stafford’s lighting, and Tim Heywood’s costumes, this show was a sensory delight.
And it didn’t stop there. The show was a BSL integrated production, which fully enhanced viewing, and was completely inclusive with deaf cast and creatives. The addition of the script integrated into the scenery rather than on a bland screen was a really nice touch and worked well to produce the overall effect.
The integration of cast members as musicians was a stroke of genius, and Poppy particularly liked ‘sometimes the cure is worse than the disease’ in the first half. She also loved it when Alana Dale, played by Joanna Simpkins, sang ’14th Century’.
The story of Robin Hood stealing from the rich to give to the poor was still the essence of the narrative, but it had an up to date twist, with a climate change theme cleverly weaved into the storyline.
Adam Bassett plays the bad tempered Sheriff of Nottingham so well. Poppy had a little giggle each time he had one of his stroppy outbursts. Roger The Reeve, played by Becky Barry, interprets the Sheriff’s every move with such precision, it is captivating to watch. Poppy loved observing the interaction between these two.
Guy of Gisbourne, played by Dominic Rye, works for the Sheriff, and wants to marry the Sheriff’s niece, Maid Marian, whose heart belongs to Robin Hood. Poppy really warmed to Guy of Gisborne and giggled along at his antics.
Maid Marion, played by Mia Ward, worked really well together with the animated Tuck, played by Laura Goulden, and Craig Painting plays a strong character in Robin Hood.
The Sheriff relies on Adam Aquarius, played by John-Holt Roberts to make his medicines, but he gets tricked into making a sleeping potion for Tuck which is then given to the guards who promptly fall asleep. Poppy was really laughing when Guy of Gisbourne fell asleep and started snoring! She also loved the part when he appeared on stage on his ‘horse’.
The scene with Adam Aquarias and the backdrop with the moon and stars was really magical and Poppy watched in awe at this. Poppy also enjoyed the fight scene and said that was her favourite part of the show.
The Sheriff is led to believe that cutting down The Major Oak will solve all his problems. Poppy watched wide-eyed at the visual effects when this happened.
When Robin’s merry band all find themselves in the forest with only one person missing – Robin – they worry that the Sheriff’s evil plan has worked, but as Robin appears at the back of the stage there was a lovely moment when a small child shouted out ‘he’s behind you!’
This was an excellent, fully inclusive relaxed performance which was a joy to watch. Derby has definitely whet our appetite to visit again.
Poppy’s star rating
Robin Hood and The Major Oak is at Derby Theatre until Saturday 8 April.
Tickets £8-£26.
