Hood, Library Theatre

This new musical adaptation of the Robin Hood story has been written for the pupils of Dore Primary School by a pupil and her father.

The show was the idea of Martha Condliffe. Her dad, Robin, said that two years ago Martha said she wanted to write a musical based on the story of the Secret Garden but that proved a little tricky for a first project, so they settled on the Robin Hood legend instead.

He said: “The first couple of songs we did straight away but it’s taken a long time to get the musical scored and get the school involved.”

He said: “Everyone who listened to it, and maybe they’re all being kind, said they liked it.

“It’s necessarily a kids’ show but anyone could put this on. I think the songs are better than a lot of shows and it’s very much in the musical style.”

Robin said that many of the children in years 3 to 6 had never been in a theatre and were very excited to be appearing on the Library Theatre stage. More than 40 children are involved.

A consultant lung and heart specialist at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Robin has experience of musicals from school and university and plays several instruments.

Martha is appearing in the show as Friar Tuck. Her dad said: “She wanted a slightly comedy role.”

School staff and adult helpers including Alex Perry, Jules Hope-Gill, Claire Challis, Lyndon Smitham, Anna Knowles and Angela Hill have also been working hard on the show with pupils, said Robin.

He said: “It’s been a real school community endeavour.”

The show runs tonight and tomorrow. Tickets: call 07917 505713 or email [email protected]