The Heart of Robin Hood

The world-renowned hero of Sherwood Forest, Robin Hood, is to be portrayed by the Royal Shakespeare Company (affectionately known as the RSC) in a new play entitled The Heart of Robin Hood. It follows on 2010’s blockbuster film portrayal by Russell Crowe and Ridley Scott and many other films, TV and productions before it. Can the latest production shed any new light or emphasis on the legend? It’s interesting to see the RSC with such a prestigious background take on the story of Robin Hood. Reading the teaser, it seems that Robin Hood is portrayed not as the romantic figure that we may expect but a notorious outlaw who does not share his stolen gains with the people. There has been plenty of recent revision of the legend, not just with the 2010 film but also with the Angus Donald novel, 'Outlaw'. These takes on a grittier representation of the legend seem to have sparked the imagination of what the real Robin Hood may have been like and how he may have lived. Yet this is a family production by the RSC, so it does stick with the key followers of the Robin Hood legend - children. As the story unfolds, it is down to Marion to convince Robin to change his ways and save the country. Does Robin have a change of heart and do we discover how Robin may have gone from robber and outlaw in Sherwood Forest to the global icon and legend that we all hold so dear? Well I guess you’ll have to go and see the production to find out. This swashbuckling show is on at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon until 7 January. To find out more and see a trailer visit http://www.rsc.org.uk/whats-on/the-heart-of-robin-hood/. Any new interpretation of Robin Hood is always welcomed here in Nottinghamshire and the fact that the RSC have decided to tackle the story with esteemed figure David Farr as writer is flattery indeed. A new revisionist and more real portrayal of Robin Hood being linked to the family audience is a brilliant way to help keep the legend alive.