Review: OUTLAWS: A ROBIN HOOD STORY, Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre
Photo credit: Mark McNulty
Sherwood Forest may be over 80 miles from Chester but for one summer evening, it feels a whole lot closer. Storyhouse's latest Open Air Theatre production, Outlaws: A Robin Hood Story, brings the legendary outlaw to the Grosvenor Park stage for one of the most entertaining evenings you’ll have all summer.
Set in medieval Nottingham, where King John rules through greed and fear, taking whatever he wants from whoever he pleases, local outlaw Robin and loyal sidekick Little John have other ideas. Determined to stand up for those in need, they steal from the rich and give to the poor. Joined by Maid Marian, and their band of Merry Men who, despite the name, are actually women, embark on their boldest and most dangerous mission yet, stealing from the King himself.
With Kieran Lynn once again at the helm, expectations are naturally high. His 2024 adaptation of The Gangs of New York for Storyhouse in the Park was a huge hit, earning rave reviews and leaving audiences wanting more. So, could Outlaws live up to that standard? You can bet your last gold coin it does. It's easy to dismiss Robin Hood as a family adventure, but this production reminds you why the story has lasted for centuries. Beneath the comedy and swashbuckling adventure lies a story about wealth, power, and inequality, one that feels every bit as pertinent today as it did centuries ago.
Kieran Lynn's Storyhouse original is brought vividly to life by director Hannah Noone, who makes full use of every inch of the open-air theatre. The action spills beyond the stage and into the audience, creating a genuinely immersive experience without ever feeling intrusive. With just the right amount of audience participation, you're drawn into the adventure from the very first scene. Paired with Lynn's laugh-out-loud script, Noone has crafted a production that hits the bullseye in every sense.
Pop classics are cleverly reworked to fit the medieval setting, and rather than feeling like a gimmick, they become an integral part of the storytelling. Opening with ‘Holding Out for a Hero’ feels especially poignant in the wake of Bonnie Tyler's recent passing, serving as a fitting tribute to one of her most enduring anthems. Musical supervisor Matt Baker has expertly slotted these well-loved songs into the story, with ‘Boogie Wonderland’ and ‘A Town Called Malice’ among the highlights. The biggest laugh, however, comes from King John's grand entrance to ‘Love to Love You Baby’, a perfectly judged musical cue that captures the character's vanity and excess to hilarious effect.
One of the hallmarks of Storyhouse's open-air productions has become its extraordinarily talented cast of actor-musicians, and Outlaws is no exception. It's a remarkably strong ensemble, with even the smallest roles making an impact. Lawrence Hodgson-Mullings plays Robin with just the right mix of confidence and vulnerability. Rather than portraying him as an untouchable hero, he makes him feel like the ordinary man the audience wants to succeed. Meanwhile, David Ahmad is a scene-stealer as King John. Commanding the audience from the moment he appears, he strikes the perfect balance between an intimidating ruler and an outrageously funny, almost pantomime villain. Ahmad clearly relishes every opportunity for improvisation and audience interaction, with each ad-lib drawing even bigger laughs and the occasional boo, making his performance feel spontaneous.
Returning to the Open Air Theatre following his standout performance in The Gangs of New York, Lucas Button once again proves himself to be a commanding stage presence, this time taking on the role of the Sheriff of Nottingham. From the moment he steps on stage, he demands the audience's attention bringing the right amount of authority and menace. Zoe Lambert is equally impressive as Much, delivering one of the production's funniest performances. Sharp comic timing and a wonderfully spirited portrayal make the character an instant favourite, while her chemistry with the rest of the Merry Men keeps the energy high throughout. Although Robert Wade has less stage time than many of the principal cast, every appearance counts. His wonderfully exaggerated portrayal of the Old Sheriff, complete with larger-than-life expressions and impeccable comic delivery, leaves a lasting impression and proves there are no small roles in this production.
If you're looking for the perfect summer evening, look no further than Outlaws. Storyhouse's Open Air Theatre once again proves why it's one of Chester's most special venues, offering an experience that appeals to the whole family. Whether you're enjoying a picnic in the sunshine or tucking into the fantastic food and drink on site, there's a real sense of occasion before the action has even begun. Add in Kieran Lynn's whip-smart script, a cast brimming with talent, infectious energy, and plenty of laughs, and you have a production that hits the mark.
Storyhouse's Open Air Theatre has delivered something of a mixed bag over the years, with some productions proving more successful than others. Outlaws, however, ranks among its very best. A show worthy of Sherwood, Outlaws is unmissable this summer.
***** Five stars
Reviewed by: Jordan Potts