‘a vibrant, inventive and hugely entertaining production’
Packed with humour, hear, and live music, Outlaws is a bold, witty, and refreshingly modern take on the classic Robin Hood legend which delivers an entertaining evening that balances comedy with genuine emotional depth.
Leading the cast is Lawrence Hodgson-Mullings as Robin, bringing charisma, charm and just the right amount of mischief to the role. His performance is effortlessly likeable, creating a Robin who is both daring and vulnerable. Alongside him, Perry Moore shines as Little John, a loyal, cheeky companion whose easy-going nature masks the wisdom of a potential mentor. Their chemistry is natural and engaging, forming the emotional backbone of the story.
Annabelle Aquino’s Marian is no damsel in distress. Strong-willed, intelligent and fiercely independent, she commands the stage whenever she appears, proving herself more than capable of standing shoulder to shoulder with Robin.
A delightful twist comes in the form of the Merry Men, who are, in fact, all women. Zoe Lambert is wonderfully comedic as Much, creating a character who is playful and entertaining, though perhaps not someone you’d volunteer to shake hands with. Rebecca Bainbridge impresses as Scarlett, combining quick wit with the dexterity of a master lockpicker, while Abigail Middleton brings warmth and intelligence to Alana, a gifted musician and nimble-fingered pickpocket.
The principal cast is completed by Kate Milner-Evans as Marian’s mother, Rose, whose protective, fierce and wise presence adds emotional grounding to the story. Lucas Button delivers a determined and ambitious Sheriff of Nottingham, while David Ahmad steals countless laughs as the gloriously pompous and insufferable King John.
The supporting ensemble deserves equal praise. Not only do they act with confidence and conviction, but they also sing and perform live music alongside the principal cast, adding another layer of energy to the production. Sorrel Jorden and Robert Wade lead the ensemble with assurance while supporting trainee actors Lewis Baron and Rachel Uyigue, all of whom contribute to a cohesive and talented company.
Several performances particularly caught my attention. Robert Wade’s expressive physical theatre and distinctive mannerisms made him endlessly fascinating to watch, while Lucas Button’s impeccable facial expressions added another dimension to his already compelling performance. David Ahmad and Zoe Lambert displayed impeccable comic timing, demonstrating exactly how to work an audience and earning some of the evening’s biggest laughs.
One of the production’s standout moments comes in the emotionally charged confrontation between Robin and the Sheriff. Lawrence Hodgson-Mullings and Lucas Button transition seamlessly from light-hearted banter to raw, heartfelt emotion, showcasing the impressive range both actors possess.
Choosing a single standout performer is almost impossible. Throughout the performance, each cast member found moments to captivate the audience for entirely different reasons. Every performer brought something unique to the stage, making this a true ensemble production in the very best sense.
The live music is another highlight. Performed in the moment by the cast, it feels energetic, playful and perfectly in keeping with the show’s tongue-in-cheek spirit. Meanwhile, the lighting design (Ieuan Reeve) is subtle yet effective, creating atmosphere without ever overwhelming the action or distracting from the performances.
The performers frequently address and engage the audience throughout and audience participation was encouraged although not overpowering. No one was felt in any way forced or obliged to take part; however, it provided another fun layer to this whole production, with one-liners and the audience being incorporated providing many laughs throughout.
Outlaws: A Robin Hood Story is a vibrant, inventive and hugely entertaining production that honours the spirit of the Robin Hood tale while confidently making it its own. With outstanding performances, infectious live music and a company bursting with talent, it’s a production I would happily watch again in a heartbeat.
Review Date: 16th July 2026
Star Rating: FIVE