A couple of years ago, Spiteful Puppet released a Robin of Sherwood audio adventure that managed to reunite just about everyone from the original TV series for charity. Based on an original Richard Carpenter script, it was probably the most authentic attempt you could make at a new Robin of Sherwood story, albeit as an audio play with all of that medium’s various limitations – no Robert Young blood red filters on the camera lens for starters.
So successful was the result – and so enjoyable for the cast, it seems – that Spiteful Puppet has released today on CD and download a set of four new plays, including one that finally reveals what would have happened if there’d been a fourth series. No Ray Winstone this time, due to scheduling conflicts, but they’ve hired Jon Culshaw to do his best Winstone impression apparently. Details after this trailer and the jump…
Michael Praed and Jason Connery return as ROBIN OF SHERWOOD, alongside the original cast, on audio!
Award-winning production company, Spiteful Puppet, have once again joined with independent Producer/Director Barnaby Eaton-Jones and ITV Studios, to deliver a brand-new boxset of audio adventures for fans of the iconic 1980s show: Richard Carpenter’s Robin of Sherwood.
This set of four audio adventures brings back Michael Praed as the original Robin Hood, alongside the majority of the original cast. The late Robert Addie, as Sir Guy of Gisburne, is replaced with Freddie Fox (reprising his role as Gisburne in the crowd-funded the feature-length The Knights of the Apocalypse, which began the journey of new Robin of Sherwood on audio), the late John Abineri as Herne is voiced by his sound-a-like son, Daniel Abineri, and Ray Winstone as Will Scarlet is absent (due to scheduling conflicts) and is temporarily replaced by the amazing Jon Culshaw doing a pitch perfect vocal impersonation.
Jason Connery also returns as Robin Hood in a very special two-part adventure which imagines what would have happened at the start of Series Four (had the series not been cancelled at the last minute on television, due to funding issues).
Guest stars for these stories range from Adam Morris, playing a very evil version of the outlaw (who also played Robin Hood in Sir Tony Robinson’s classic BBC comedy Maid Marian and her Merry Men, where he was credited as Wayne Morris), to Carla Mendonca’s nasty Witch Hunter (CITV’s My Parents Are Aliens, CBBC’s So Awkward and recently playing a female re-working of Jekyll & Hyde called Henrietta & Eleanor for Audible).
Returning to reprise their original television roles are Clive Mantle as Little John, Judi Trott as Lady Marion, Mark Ryan as Nasir, Phil Rose as Friar Tuck, Peter Llewellyn Williams as Much, Claire Toeman as Meg of Wickham, and Nickolas Grace as the Sheriff of Nottingham.
From December 12th, the ‘Audio Adventures’ will be on general release as a physical box-set of four CDs in DVD-style packaging and also individual digital downloads of each story will be available too. These are available from the Spiteful Puppet website www.spitefulpuppet.com (with other audio adventures for your listening pleasure as well).
Quotes from selected members of the cast…
Phil Rose (Friar Tuck)
“Many thanks indeed to all involved in the new cast recordings of ‘Robin of Sherwood’.
Since the inception of the television series, I have played Friar Tuck and would without hesitation give my holy blessing to this second venture into audios. He’s a great character to play.
The fans have waited, but not in vain.
A must for every Christmas stocking. Bless you, all.”
Kate Harbour (Ren of Edwinstoe)
“Thrilled to have played Ren, in ‘King of Sherwood’. Her lust for revenge was scarily cathartic and very far removed from when I played Bob the Builder’s wife, Wendy, for many years! But, above all, I’m so happy to have been part of this legendary drama… Roll music!”
Clive Mantle (Little John)
“I am very happy to reprise Little John. It was a hugely enjoyable period in my career and any chance to relive those days is never passed by.”
Adam Morris (Daniel of Rhodes)
“It was great fun working with Barnaby and Spiteful Puppet and lending my innocent tones to nasty old Daniel of Rhodes.”
Nickolas Grace (Sheriff of Nottingham)
“The Sheriff of Nottingham is particularly thrilled that you supporters are still gathered in faithful clusters around the country, and are awaiting his return!
After 35 years, he’s flattered that so many of you still believe in his virtue and talent to rule Nottinghamshire, and ultimately the country!The new episodes may not contain any juicy water-closet or back-brushing bath scenes, but there is plenty of Sheriff mischief, naughtiness and decadence to satisfy you followers for at least another year!
Continue to support your local Sheriff!”
Jon Culsaw (Will Scarlet)
“What a delight it was to be part of this classic tale. To take on the role of Will Scarlett was a real privilege. It was great to be guided by and keep true to the superb way Ray Winstone created the character – visceral, medieval, moral and steadfast. A warrior force for good! You wouldn’t mess with him!”
The box-set contains four new audio adventures
‘KING OF SHERWOOD’
By Paul Birch & Barnaby Eaton-Jones
Starring MICHAEL PRAED
(Set during Series Two)
Wickham is not a happy village and, when Meg is threatened by Gisburne’s soldiers, Will Scarlet loses his temper and Wickham fears reprisals. The once loyal villagers, without Edward of Wickham to guide them, begin to turn on the outlaws who regularly save their lives.
Fortunately, another Hooded Man has entered the forest – with his own good lady and band of men. Is he the saviour or the charlatan of Sherwood?
‘THE TRIAL OF JOHN LITTLE’
By Tony Lee
Starring MICHAEL PRAED
(Set during Series One)
Whilst Robin is troubled by hazy visions of his father, Little John faces the wrath of a witch hunter who is about to make him pay for crimes he committed whilst under the influence of Baron de Belleme.
In order to save Little John, the rest of the outlaws play their part in uncovering the secrets that brought the witch hunter to Sherwood in the first place…
Richard Carpenter’s ROBIN OF SHERWOOD
‘WHAT WAS LOST’ (PARTS I & II)
By Iain Meadows
Starring JASON CONNERY
(Set after Series Three, as the start of Series 4 – before ‘The Knights of the Apocalypse’)
The Merry Men are without a proper leader, as Robin – after losing Marion to Holy Orders – spends his waking hours in an increasingly drunken state.
Abbot Hugo has cleaned out the family coffers and secured a release for his brother, the Sheriff, from King John’s prisons. This is granted on one condition – the Sheriff pays a fine for every month that goes by without the capture of Robin Hood.
Marion is harbouring a secret which may lead to the capture of Robin, which she isn’t aware the Sheriff knows about as he plots his revenge on the outlaws.
Richard Carpenter’s ROBIN OF SHERWOOD
‘THE MEETING PLACE’
By Jennifer Ash (from a story by Barnaby Eaton-Jones)
Starring PETER LLEWELLYN WILLIAMS
(Set during Series Three)
The village of Papplewick has a new head family keen to exchange goodwill with the outlaws. Much is less than thrilled when Robin decides he should be the one to meet with the head villager’s eldest child each month, to swap tax money for food and information.
The last thing Much wants is to trudge across Sherwood in all weathers to talk to a girl.
