MLT closes its season with swashbuckling adventure in Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood

Markham Little Theatre will bring its landmark 60th anniversary season to an energetic close this spring with Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood by acclaimed playwright Ken Ludwig. The production runs from April 29 to May 2 at the Flato Markham Theatre, promising audiences a lively mix of comedy, action, romance, and legendary heroism.

“Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood is an epic production that is a very fitting choice to celebrate Markham Little Theatre’s milestone 60 year anniversary,” says Director Marlene Foran. “It appeals to all ages, it’s exciting, fun, grand and is truly a collective effort, which is the pillar of community theatre.”

Ken Ludwig—one of the most widely produced playwrights in the English-speaking world and the author behind hits like Lend Me a Tenor and Baskerville—created this fast-paced theatrical retelling of the Robin Hood legend in 2017. The play premiered at the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego before quickly becoming a favourite among regional theatres for its blend of classic storytelling and contemporary humour.

Ludwig’s script draws inspiration from the medieval English ballads of the 14th and 15th centuries that first popularized the story of the heroic outlaw. But this version leans joyfully into theatrical spectacle, combining thrilling stage combat, witty dialogue, and a sense of mischief that keeps audiences laughing while arrows fly and swords clash.

“The biggest creative challenge as a director is putting all of the pieces together so the story unfolds in a cohesive manner,” says Foran. “Ludwig let his imagination flow freely when writing the script but to turn his musings into actual traffic flow onstage with multiple settings and a cast of 20 has definitely put my creative problem solving skills to the test.”

The play is known for its ensemble-driven style, giving actors the opportunity to play a wide variety of roles—from villagers and foresters to soldiers and nobles. The result is a whirlwind theatrical experience filled with daring escapes, comic disguises, and the larger-than-life characters audiences have loved for centuries.

“We have some familiar faces known to the MLT stage for their comedic talents,” adds Foran. “Anthony Chow, John Fetherston, Steve Birtles, Anne-Maria Hurle, Carl Gambacort, Jaime Oren, and Julie Condor to name a few; but we also have many new faces gracing our stage for the first time. The exciting part is that this cast is so willing to try new things. It is truly a collaborative production.”

Behind the scenes, Markham Little Theatre’s volunteer production team is embracing the adventurous spirit of the piece. Expect vibrant costumes, a set that transports audiences directly into the forests of medieval England, and even swashbuckling action.

“Certainly, the fight/stunt choreography has been front and centre as a priority. We have been in rehearsals since the beginning of January to ensure our actors are comfortable and the fights/stunts are polished,” explains Foran, “and because of the many sudden scene changes and actors playing multiple parts, costumes present their own challenges. We have a creative team of sewers and a costume mistress who is adept at  coordinating who is where and wearing what.” 

For a company founded in 1967 and built entirely on community volunteers, ending the season with a tale about banding together against injustice feels particularly fitting.

“Everyone pitches in,” says Foran, “crew and cast members making swords, lending furniture, sewing, bringing treats, and building sets.  It is truly a community effort to bring a play of this magnitude and ambition to life.”

When asked why audiences should come see the show, the company doesn’t hesitate.

“The play that has everything.” is the response. 

“Swashbuckling excitement, rollicking fun, romance, suspense, and a hero who inspires people to change the world,” adds Foran

Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood runs at the Flato Markham Theatre from April 29 to May 2, with performances beginning at 8 pm and a 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday. 

Visit markhamtheatre.ca for more details.

Photo: Some of the cast of Sherwood at rehearsal (Top left to right: John Fetherston, Anthony Chow, Caleb Upshaw, Jamie Sherman, Bottom left to right: Annabelle Jay, Preeya Agallina)