Review: Robin Hood and the Major Oak at Derby Theatre (BSL)

I’ve been reviewing shows at Derby Theatre for a number of years now and I am always fascinated by their commitment to exploring how best to deliver accessible, inclusive theatre in an enjoyable way.

After recently meeting with the cast to discuss how rehearsals for their rendition of Robin Hood were going, I was fortunate enough to be invited to their press night. As I took my seat in the auditorium I already knew that this years show was going to be full of even more ‘inclusive’ surprises.

Before the show had even begun, an usher appeared carrying a sign which told us there were only 5 minutes until show time. A few minutes later, a second sign appeared indicating the show was about to start. Whether or not they still announced this over a tannoy I cannot say, but I was impressed by this little piece of thoughtful accessibility.

Throughout the show I noticed how it was filled with incredibly important messages relating to deafness and deaf awareness. The cast, made up of both hearing and deaf actors, seemed more collaborative than ever. The usual divide that is sometimes felt between BSL users and non-BSL users in a show was no longer there.

Instead, the show cleverly played with the role of ‘interpreter’ and I was truly delighted by the varied ways this came across. There were several comedy moments where a non-signing actor stated they wanted to talk ‘in private’ to a BSL using actor, before realising that they couldn’t do so without learning to sign.

There were also several occasions where deaf actors took the lead and performed beautifully visual songs and prose as well as hilarious incidents where deaf actors corrected signs used by the BSL ‘newbies.

The performances by the deaf actors were all incredibly strong, each captivating in their own unique way. Adam Bassett was superbly cast as the villainous Sheriff that everyone loves to hate. Mia Ward depicted Maid Marian in a refreshingly head strong and feisty way. I also really enjoyed Phillipa Russell’s performance as Much – her childlike manner and goofiness was fun to see!

Robin Hood was played by Craig Painting, a hearing BSL user, who was fantastic in the title role and added a gentleness to the character given his passion for nature and the planet. I especially loved watching Craig sign and sing a memorable song about the Green Wood forest, it was delivered with such devotion that I had goosebumps!

I also loved Laura Goulden’s performance at Tuck. I’m familiar with Laura’s work as a BSL interpreter but I hadn’t seen her act in a show before. Her versatility and comic style were fantastic and she had me laughing along in several places.

On the whole, the cast worked very well together. Characters such as Alana Dale (played by Joanna Simpkins) were a fun addition to the Robin Hood tale and I loved the sword fighting scenes between the cast too. If there was one thing missing from this production it would be a little more dance but that’s merely a personal preference.

This version of Robin Hood felt incredibly relevant due to how it emphasised the importance of nature and looking after those who aren’t privileged. Without spoiling the ending of the show too much, I found the main message relating to taking care of our Mother Earth very poignant.

On the whole, Derby Theatre have done a fantastic job on this production and I commend BSL consultants Deepa Shastri and Donna Mullings on creating signed songs and sign translations that were enjoyable, clear and beautiful to watch.

The scriptwriting by Deborah McAndrew as well as the direction by Sarah Brigham and Lilac Yosiphon had deaf awareness right at its heart. It is this fusion of artistry and deaf awareness that Derby Theatre do exceptionally well and this year was stronger than ever.

By Rebecca A Withey

Robin Hood and the Major Oak is at Derby Theatre until Saturday 8^th April.

www.derbytheatre.co.uk

Photography credit Pamela Raith.