REVIEW: Outlaws - A Robin Hood Story

Each summer, I look forward to returning to Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre, where for the past sixteen years, the park has been transformed into one of the UK's most enchanting outdoor theatre experiences. Nestled beneath the Cheshire sky, the intimate circular ampitheatre offers every audience member a wonderful 360-degree view of the action. With productions that consistently rival the very best of British theatre, it's little wonder Storyhouse in the Park has become one of the highlights of my summer calendar.

Photo credit: Mark McNulty

On Thursday evening, I attended the Press night of Outlaws: A Robin Hood Story at Storyhouse's beautiful open-air theatre in Grosvenor Park, and what an evening it was.

Armed with a picnic basket and surrounded by the warmth of a glorious summer's evening, it felt as though the setting itself was part of the performance. Mine and my companion Sam's physical feast was matched only by the feast for our senses unfolding on stage.

This isn't your traditional Robin Hood tale. It's bold, contemporary and bursting with energy. The modern musical score gives the production a fresh heartbeat, whilst the storytelling remains captivating from beginning to end.

The cast are nothing short of extraordinary. Not only do they act with conviction, but the majority also play musical instruments and sing live. Their versatility is astonishing and elevates the production into something truly special.

David Ahmad delivers a wonderfully commanding performance as King John. Every great story needs a villain worthy of our boos, and he relishes every deliciously corrupt moment. His portrayal is charismatic, menacing and utterly believable.

Annabelle Aquino is a sensational Marian. Marian is fierce, intelligent and full of heart, and Aquino brings all of those qualities effortlessly. Her chemistry with Lawrence Hodgson-Mullings' Robin Hood is exceptional, creating a partnership that feels authentic, playful and deeply rooted in mutual respect. Lawrence was a joy to watch and played the Hood with ease.

Speaking of Robin Hood, the camaraderie between Robin and Little John is one of the absolute joys of the production. Their bromance is beautifully portrayed; full of humour, loyalty and warmth, and provides many of the show's most heartfelt moments.

One performer who completely mesmerised me was Sorrel Jordan, the lead drummer. I happened to be seated close to her and found myself utterly transfixed. Her musicianship was hypnotic, providing the driving pulse of the entire production. There were moments when I simply couldn't take my eyes off her.

Another standout was Zoe Lambert, who plays Much and the Viper. She is an absolute force of nature. Effortlessly funny, razor-sharp, endlessly charismatic and a phenomenal accordion player, she injects every scene with infectious energy. Her comic timing is impeccable and she became one of my favourite performers of the evening.

Photo credit: Mark McNulty

Abigail Middleton, playing Alana and Puck, was equally memorable, often appearing with guitar in hand and adding yet another layer to this incredibly talented ensemble. Every member of the cast seemed capable of turning their hand to another instrument or vocal harmony, making the production feel rich, dynamic and alive.

One element I particularly appreciated was the captioning throughout the performance. Storyhouse continues to demonstrate that accessibility and outstanding theatre can go hand in hand, ensuring more people can enjoy the magic unfolding on stage.

As darkness slowly settled over Grosvenor Park and the music echoed through the trees, it became clear this was more than just a theatre production. It was an experience. As the sun dipped behind the trees, I unpacked my picnic basket. It felt like the perfect prelude to an evening that would become a feast for every sense.

If you're looking for an evening filled with laughter, adventure, spectacular musicianship, outstanding performances and the simple joy of live theatre beneath the open sky, Outlaws: A Robin Hood Story absolutely delivers.

As we walked out of Grosvenor Park that evening, I realised I'd been smiling for over two hours. That's the magic of Storyhouse in the Park. It's not simply theatre; it's shared joy, exceptional talent and storytelling at its very best. I left with a full heart, a smile on my face and a reminder of why live theatre continues to be one of life's greatest pleasures.

The show runs until August 23rd. Get your tickets here

★★★★★