Robin Hood Of Sherwood Forest
A One Act Play In Four Scenes.
Adapted from the original tales of Robin Hood
by Kathleen Lockwood
About the Play: This action-packed one act was very successful with Middle School students, and was used both in Summer Drama Camp and during the school year. It’s only about 20 minutes long!
Characters:
Robin Archer: later known as Robin Hood
Martin Archer: Robin’s father, blinded by the Sheriff’s men
Sheriff Of Nottingham: Prince John’s Security Chief
Sir Guy Gisburne: Sheriff’s cruel deputy
Moll Gisburne: Sir Guy’s sister, Prince John’s magistrate
Prince John: Evil brother to King Richard the Lionhearted
King Richard The Lionhearted: Just returned from the Crusades
Maid Marion Of Dinsmore: Captured by the Sheriff
Sir Chester Dinsmore: Marion’s brother, escapes captivity vows to free his sister
Will Scarlett: Head of the Outcasts of Sherwood Forest
Little John: Metalsmith, recently returned from the Crusades
Mash Much: Doesn’t say much, but carries a big stick
Xena : Warrior Princess and chief cook for the outlaws
Bianca: A Minstrel
Friar Tuck: A displaced monk
Sister Ignatius: A tough nun
The Kirkleighs: Neighbors to Robin and Martin
Extras, as needed for Outlaws, Sheriff”s men or escorts/palace servants
(NOTE: For smaller cast needs, doubling is recommended.)
The Scene: The set is an empty stage, with backdrops or simple Gobo lighting effects to indicate the changes of scene. Banners suggest the court and the archery contest field. Benches, chairs and props are placed as indicated.
Scene 1: In Sherwood Forest, Afternoon
Scene 2: At the court of King Richard, later that evening
Scene 3: Back in Sherwood Forest, the next morning
Scene 4: At court--the archery competition, three days later
From the Play:
Scene 1: Deep in the Sherwood Forest, sounds of birds and chirping of frogs, a rock or tree trunk up left.
The Time: Late afternoon. Offstage shouting is heard.
Sheriff, Moll And Men:
(Off) This way. They won’t get far! Just ahead. Ouch! What the . . .?
(Robin Archer and his elderly, blinded father enter. Robin is a strong man, just returned from fighting in the crusades. He arrived home to find his lands seized and his father blinded. He is dressed in a tattered crusade uniform, which is the same as that of king richard. Martin has a rag tied over his eyes and bloodied shirt and breeches.)
Robin: (Out of breath) Father, quickly, hide here. Don’t make a sound, I’ll draw them off
Martin: Go, son, save yourself.
Robin: Sshhhh! Stay down, Father.
(Enter sheriff, Sir Guy, and Moll, running as if chasing someone. Sheriff and Sir Guy wear uniforms; Moll in vest/ black skirt. Sheriff has fears from the horrid things he’s done to people while collecting taxes for prince john. Sir Guy and Moll are your average criminal types.)
Sir Guy: Drat! Now he’s disappeared into the deep forest.
We'll have to fan out to find him.
Sheriff: But, this is where the Outcasts live. (Looking around nervously) Aren’t they dangerous?
Moll: What’s that to us? We sneeze in the face of danger! (They all sneeze.) Ha Ha!
