Robin Hood Community Performance

Following the success of 'Dracula' last year, Action Factory worked in partnership with Talia Theatre and the young people of Blackburn and Darwen to create a community performance of 'Robin Hood'. The performance took place at Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council's festival, 'Arts in the Park' and was seen by an audience of an estimated 4500 over the two-day festival.

Around 70 young people from QFX Theatre, Lammack Youth Group, Pleckgate Youth Group and Witton Youth Group took part in the performance. For many of them this was their first experience of a drama or performance project and they were able to learn new skills, build confidence and make new friends through the process. It was also a great opportunity for the recently formed Mela Dhol Drummers who played in the performance. The show included live music, special effects and a 40ft puppet of the Green Man, which was made by volunteers on a training session at Action Factory.

Action Factory held a number of two-day artist led training sessions where volunteers learnt how to make props for a large theatre production and the props made on these days formed a key part of the final show.

The project was funded through Arts Council England: North West, Blackburn with Darwen Council Small Community Grants and from the Harris Charity.

Robin Hood was a magical performance, kept the audience of festival-goers captivated throughout and was a real success. Some comments from the audience below:

'Unmissable and so well executed. Fantastic young people in it.'

'Ten out of ten times 3! My 8 year old grandson Daniel's jaw dropped at the drama!'

'Marvellous, liked the green man. Whoever thought it through deserves a medal.'