The Library Theatre Company’s Wanted! Robin Hood is a brand-new adaptation of the tale of the legendary hero of Sherwood Forest, suitable for everyone aged six upwards.
Children’s theatre specialist Charles Way’s adaptation will be directed by Amy Leach and designed by Hayley Grindle, who collaborated on last year’s Manchester Theatre Award-winning production of Arabian Nights.
Wanted! Robin Hood combines the traditional roots of the legend with a contemporary twist, with a gallant hero and feisty heroine, Merry Men as hilarious as they are ingenious, and daredevil twists and turns.
“There will always be an audience for the Robin Hood story,” says Charles. “It’s a timeless tale that appeals to all generations. Everyone can identify with a particular kind of hero; young, talented, cheeky, strong, romantic, and above all, a good laugh!”
Taking on the role of Robin Hood will be Liverpool actor Ciaran Kellgren, who made national headlines in 2009 when he took the title role in the huge production of Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens which subsequently transferred to the O2 Arena. This is Ciaran’s second appearance with the Library after he won plaudits as trippy student Ben Shotter in the company’s production of The Heretic at The Lowry in 2012.
Amelia Donkor plays the part of Marian while Emilio Doorgasingh, so imposing as King Shahrayar in last year’s Arabian Nights, is Walter Fitzwarren; Peter Landi, making a swift return to the city after appearing in To Kill A Mockingbird at the Royal Exchange, has two roles, Friar Tuck and Sir Guy of Gisborne; and Umar Malik, a graduate of the Manchester School of Theatre at Manchester Metropolitan University, makes his professional stage debut as Little John.
Original music plays a key role and composer Tom Mills, whose CV includes writing the score for the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Titus Andronicus this year, has composed for the production.
It runs from next Friday to January 11 at The Lowry.