LISTEN: Expect fire, arrows and epic adventure in never-before-seen Robin Hood Park Show

The cast and crew of this year's Park Show in Lancaster have promised a tale of Robin Hood that's unlike anything audiences will have seen before.

The annual outdoor walkabout theatre show in Williamson Park opens on July 17 and once again, The Dukes team have put together a spectacular treat for audiences in such a scenic setting.

Robin Hood is a classic story everybody knows, but with this version you can expect something different - as well as fun, fights, and even fire!

Ahead of the show, we spoke to Joe Parker (who plays Rob), Hope Yolanda (Marian) and director Elvi Piper.

LISTEN to Elvi, Joe and Hope speaking to Beyond Radio

Joe debuts at the Park Show this year, with theatre credits including Hamlet, Romeo & Juliet, The Merchant of Venice and Northanger Abbey, and television work including The Baby (Sky/HBO), Hollyoaks and Doctors.

He plays Rob, who he describes as "a down to earth normal kind of bloke who's head over heels in love, and stumbles into being Robin Hood".

Joe says you can expect "arrows left, right and centre" in the show, and says he's blown away by getting to work in the "amazing space" of Williamson Park.

"It's going to be absolutely epic," he said.

"The scenery itself is going to be incredible with the music, the fights, it's going to be a good one!"

Hope Yolanda returns to the Park Show after playing Dorothy in last year's smash hit 'The Wizard of Oz'.

The Wizard of Oz Park Show in 2025 starred Hope Yolanda as Dorothy. Hope returns this year as Marian in Robin Hood.

Her recent theatre credits include Private Lives and Taming of the 'Shrew' for HER Productions and Fire Raisers for We Merry Dancers.

"I think there's something so spectacular about being outside and utilising what already exists in the park, it's built for something like this," said Hope.

"There's so much beauty, action, adventure, you're going to be entertained and have lots of fun."

Elvi Piper, who directed 'The Wizard of Oz' too, explained how this version of Robin Hood will surprise and delight the packed audiences in the park.

"We wanted the story of Robin Hood to be everything that people wanted from it, we've all got our version that we grew up with and love," said Elvi.

"Whatever that is, we wanted a little bit of all of those in there for everyone, and a big dose of something you're not expecting.

"The Park Show is so special and there have been Robin Hoods in the park before, but there's never been one like this. This is going to be a truly unique version of the show that I really don't think anyone has seen before.

Williamson Park in Lancaster

"It's going to be epic, packed full of adventure and really uses the park. And loads of things that people will not have seen, maybe ever!

"You might find that you find yourself in an extra space this year!

"Last year was amazing and I can only promise that this year is going to be even better.

"And there's fire. That's all I'm saying!"

And Joe says that Ian Crowe, who plays the Sheriff, is a masterful villain and maybe "the scariest Sheriff ever!"

Completing the cast are Lisa Howard, who takes on the role of Friar Tuck, Matthew Ganley who plays Lord Foppingham and Eve Pereira who plays Jen.

All three have previous Park Show experience, and for Lisa, it will be her eighth!

The production also welcomes back writer Daniel Bye and designer Caitlin Mawhinney. Meanwhile, musical duo Bay Bryan and Claire O’Connor are also returning to bring the park alive with their original songs, which Elvi says are "Enya meets Chappell Roan meets Sondheim....with potentially live instruments!"

Robin Hood runs on Tuesdays to Sundays from July 17 to August 23 at 7.15pm.

Tickets must be booked in advance.

Group bookings are negotiable.

To book, contact The Dukes box office on 01524 598500 or tickets@dukeslancaster.org