Rehearsals well under way for popular Lancaster park show

Rehearsals for this summer's walkabout theatre show in Williamson Park in Lancaster are well underway.

This year the park will be transformed into Sherwood Forest for the much-loved Robin Hood brought to you by The Dukes theatre.

The Dukes' annual Park Show began in 1987 and traditionally pulls crowds of thousands to performances over the summer.

This will be a brand new version of Robin Hood, written especially to be performed outdoors in Williamson Park.

Last week, rehearsals finally kicked off, with the cast and crew gathered to have their first readthrough of the script, and were treated to a presentation showing off the spectacular design sketches.

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Following the success of last year’s park show The Wizard of Oz, director Elvi Piper returns to sprinkle her magic.

Elvi said: ‘’Audiences can expect a big summer adventure with plenty of laughs, music, a little bit of romance and absolutely epic amounts of action!

‘’At its heart, it’s a story about community, standing up for what’s right and finding hope in difficult times, but it’s also packed full of high-octane adventure. It’s the perfect story for the Park!”

This summer’s outdoor adventure will see audiences journey through the park alongside the legendary outlaw Robin Hood and his band of rebels in a thrilling production packed with music, mischief and mayhem.

Leading the company in the title role of Robin Hood is Joe Parker, whose theatre credits include Hamlet, Romeo & Juliet, The Merchant of Venice and Northanger Abbey. His television work includes The Baby (Sky/HBO), Hollyoaks and Doctors.

Playing the Sheriff is Ian Crowe, whose recent theatre credits include A Christmas Carol for Eastern Angles, Robin Hood at Oldham Coliseum and Alice In Wonderland at Kew Gardens. His screen work includes the feature film Daisies in December opposite Joss Ackland and Jean Simmons.

Returning to the Park Show following last summer’s The Wizard of Oz is Lisa Howard, who takes on the role of Friar Tuck. Lisa is a familiar face to Dukes audiences, appearing in her eighth Park Show season. Her extensive theatre career include Ladies That Bus and Ladies That Dig here at The Dukes, other collaborations includes Leeds Playhouse, Hull Truck, Northern Broadsides and York Theatre Royal, while television credits include Coronation Street, Heartbeat and Where the Heart Is.

Also returning after appearing as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz last year is Hope Yolanda, who will play Marian. Her recent theatre credits include Private Lives and Taming of the “Shrew” for HER Productions and Fire Raisers for We Merry Dancers.

The production also welcomes back writer Daniel Bye and designer Caitlin Mawhinney, who is bringing her colourful vision of a “medieval dream” to Lancaster. Meanwhile, musical duo Bay Bryan and Claire O’Connor are also returning to bring the park alive with their original songs.

Robin Hood runs on Tuesdays - Sundays from July 17 - August 23 at 7.15pm. Tickets must be booked in advance. Group bookings are negotiable, contact The Dukes Box Office on 01524 598500 or tickets@dukeslancaster.org