Hood : The Legend Continues - Main Design, 2015
Title
Hood : The Legend Continues - Main Design, 2015
Date
17 September 2015
Description
Main poster and programme design for Hood - The Legend Continues, a co-production between the Theatre Royal and New Perspectives Theatre Company, as part of its 150th anniversary celebrations.
What's the story?
In 2015 the Theatre Royal Nottingham celebrated its 150th anniversary, having first opened its doors in 1865.
There were numerous events to mark this occasion, including a revival of The School for Scandal, the very first production on the Theatre Royal stage; a special Open Day weekend of free events for the public and a royal visit by HRH The Earl of Wessex.
For this special year the Theatre Royal returned to its Victorian producing role, working in partnership with Nottingham based New Perspectives Theatre Company to create a new piece of work based on the legend of Robin Hood.
However, this production did not have the traditional medieval ‘green-tights’ setting, but instead placed Robin journeying through 150 years of history from 1865, the year the Theatre Royal was built.
Seven local writers, Andy Barrett, Tim Elgood, James Graham, Laura Lomas, Mufaro Makubika, Brian Mitchell and Joseph Nixon, each presented their own take on the Hood legend, encompassing the Victorian era, 1906, World War Two, the 1960s, the 1980s and the present day. Each of these stories in turn were loosely based on a traditional Robin Hood tale or ballad.
The cast were Alex Bedward, Jasmine Blackborow, Ewen Macintosh, Adam Morris, Jonah Russell and Ed Thorpe and the play was directed by Jack McNamara, the Artistic Director for New Perspectives.
Reviewing the production, Dom Henry for the Left Lion website wrote …
“The short stories had some lovely historical touches, the well-lit motion of a train held up on one of the city’s historic lines, an entertaining early silent film sequence on Old Market Square complete with damsel rescue, all in fine costumes. However, while the period short stories were interesting individually they don't weave together well overall, though Alan-a-Dale’s masterful musical skits between periods almost hoodwink you.
Overall I enjoyed it, being a fan of local history and a lover of all things Nottingham, with which this tale of reimagined legends is chock full. Which in my eye's more than makes up for its faults. If yer love owd Hood tahn, get yer sehn dahn.”
Although the show received mixed reviews, this was an ambitious production for the Theatre Royal, taking on the producer role for its 150th year.
There were numerous events to mark this occasion, including a revival of The School for Scandal, the very first production on the Theatre Royal stage; a special Open Day weekend of free events for the public and a royal visit by HRH The Earl of Wessex.
For this special year the Theatre Royal returned to its Victorian producing role, working in partnership with Nottingham based New Perspectives Theatre Company to create a new piece of work based on the legend of Robin Hood.
However, this production did not have the traditional medieval ‘green-tights’ setting, but instead placed Robin journeying through 150 years of history from 1865, the year the Theatre Royal was built.
Seven local writers, Andy Barrett, Tim Elgood, James Graham, Laura Lomas, Mufaro Makubika, Brian Mitchell and Joseph Nixon, each presented their own take on the Hood legend, encompassing the Victorian era, 1906, World War Two, the 1960s, the 1980s and the present day. Each of these stories in turn were loosely based on a traditional Robin Hood tale or ballad.
The cast were Alex Bedward, Jasmine Blackborow, Ewen Macintosh, Adam Morris, Jonah Russell and Ed Thorpe and the play was directed by Jack McNamara, the Artistic Director for New Perspectives.
Reviewing the production, Dom Henry for the Left Lion website wrote …
“The short stories had some lovely historical touches, the well-lit motion of a train held up on one of the city’s historic lines, an entertaining early silent film sequence on Old Market Square complete with damsel rescue, all in fine costumes. However, while the period short stories were interesting individually they don't weave together well overall, though Alan-a-Dale’s masterful musical skits between periods almost hoodwink you.
Overall I enjoyed it, being a fan of local history and a lover of all things Nottingham, with which this tale of reimagined legends is chock full. Which in my eye's more than makes up for its faults. If yer love owd Hood tahn, get yer sehn dahn.”
Although the show received mixed reviews, this was an ambitious production for the Theatre Royal, taking on the producer role for its 150th year.
Type
Design image
Location of item
Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall Nottingham
Rights
Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall Nottingham
Contributor
Researcher: David Longford
