A different take on an old classic

Staughton College students Amber, Tejay, Allysia and Cassidee.

By Ewen McRae

A new twist on a familiar tale is what Staughton College is promising as it gears up for its annual school production.

While the tale of Robin Hood and his Merry Men may be widely known, the school’s new production of Robin Hood: A Comedy of Arrows is set to be unveiled for the first time.

The play is the work of school English teacher Ryan Patterson, and tells the story of an amateur theatre group, trying their best to put on their own retelling of the classic Robin Hood adventure.

Chaos ensues as actors forget their lines, set pieces collapse and all manner of situations go hopelessly wrong.

“It’s a celebration of the moments where things go awry,” Mr Patterson said. “It’s hilarious, silly and historically very inaccurate.”

The play follows last year’s production ‘The Greatest Show’, as well as memorable performances of Grease in 2015, and The Wizard of Oz in 2013.

The cast has been rehearsing ‘non-stop’ according to Tejay, who plays a hapless Robin Hood.

“It’s been a gruelling process but it’s all going to be worth it on opening night,” he said.

Amber, who plays Maid Marian, says audiences should expect “huge laughs, a few silly musical numbers and heaps of fun”.

The show will run on September 4, 5 and 6, from 6.30pm at Staughton College. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased from www.staughtoncollege.vic.edu.au