The Hood of Sherwood

by Doug Brook

In a merging of classic tales with a contemporary sensibility, Robin Hood is an unintended outlaw who turns to helping others in trying times. Robin meets his best-known and some lesser-known merry men (and women), some in early stories seldom told. Together they face the Sheriff of Nottingham who uses Guy of Gisbourne to try to end Robin and his band while also plotting a revolution that only these noble...

In a merging of classic tales with a contemporary sensibility, Robin Hood is an unintended outlaw who turns to helping others in trying times. Robin meets his best-known and some lesser-known merry men (and women), some in early stories seldom told. Together they face the Sheriff of Nottingham who uses Guy of Gisbourne to try to end Robin and his band while also plotting a revolution that only these noble outlaws can prevent. It's a new take on a timeless story where nobility comes not from noble service, but title, consequences loom large over everyone, and who's right or wrong is less clear than it seems.

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The Hood of Sherwood

Character Information

  • Robin
    An outlaw, who helps the common folk. Devout, a champion archer and swordsman who loses a surprising number of fights.
    20s-30s
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • John Little
    A giant woodsman, Robin's second. Also a strong archer and swordsman, carries a quarterstaff.
    20s-40s
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Friar Tuck
    A man of the cloth, who loves food and ale as much as god. Bests Robin, then guides his ethic. Periodically helps Robin's band with information.
    30s-50s
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Will Scarlet
    A younger member of Robin's band. Difficult to read or predict. Of strong stature, though nothing like John.
    20s
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Alan-a-Dale
    A minstrel, who thus narrates the tale. A member of Robin's band, who Robin and others helped to marry his true love.
    30s-50s
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Marian
    A lady, with many suitors. Proper, but finds appeal in the realness of Robin's people rather than the elite who court her.
    20s-30s
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Prioress
    Cousin of Robin, a prioress (second in rank to the Abbess) at the Nunnery of Kirklees. Freshly ordained, she's an idealist who still sees in absolutes.
    20s-30s
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Earine
    One of Robin's band. An independent woman with a past, but her eye on the future.
    20s-40s
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Sheriff of Nottingham
    The tax-collector and administrator of Nottinghamshire. Sinister in his self-interest at the expense of those in his shire, and plotting a much bigger future for himself.
    30s-50s
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Guy of Gisborne
    A nobleman and primary suitor to Marian. A reformed outlaw himself, he is dark, brooding, and sinister, with a certain unintended goth appeal complementing his attire.
    20s-40s
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Ellen
    Wife of Alan-a-Dale. Originally forced toward marriage, Robin's men saved her at the ceremony and she married Alan instead. She joined Robin's band.
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female

Development History

  • Workshop, Silicon Valley Shakespeare, 2017

Production History

  • Community Theater, Silicon Valley Shakespeare, 2018

Awards

  • Theatre Bay Area Awards – Outstanding Fight Choreography
    Theatre Bay Area
    Finalist
    2018
  • Theatre Bay Area Awards – Recommended Production
    Theatre Bay Area
    2018