Synopsis
The prosperous, lively town of Nottingham (NOTTINGHAM) has undergone huge change over the last few years. The Sheriff of Nottingham has taken control and enforces increasingly higher taxes.
Terrance and Tabitha, the tax collectors, are not well received by the exhausted townsfolk, who learn that yet more ridiculous taxes are going to be introduced, including a tax on opening your door and meeting people!
In his castle, the Sheriff is displeased: fewer taxes have been collected this month. Gisborne tries to explain that the people of Nottingham have little left to give, but the Sheriff has little sympathy (THE SHERIFF). His bad mood is made worse by his inability to get a girlfriend! The ‘Wisewomen’ suggest he commission an artist to paint a very flattering portrait.
Back in Nottingham, the heroic crusader Robin of Loxley and his loyal comrades Much, Robert and William, are only a few miles from home. They stop to reflect on the exciting life ahead of them now that they are back from the Crusades (HOME). However, they see how much Nottingham has changed and Robin discovers his father has been imprisoned by the Sheriff. Soon, Gisborne appears and demands the services of the local painter. Robin threatens Gisborne and makes him hand over tax money to the people of Nottingham, who are delighted. Gisborne scurries off, but Robin knows he must now make himself scarce.
Robin and his friends arrive in Sherwood Forest and are quickly confronted by Marian and her fellow outlaws (OUTLAWS). Robin and his friends recognise the Outlaws have made a good life for themselves and suggest they join forces. The Outlaws are reluctant at first, but are soon won over and even create an outlaw name for Robin (ROBIN HOOD).
Act Two begins with Robin and the Outlaws starting to action their plans (SHERWOOD TAX). Robin demonstrates how to charm wealthy people when asking for their money, which is especially effective with the ladies!
At the Castle, two wealthy ladies – who were stopped in the forest to pay the ‘Sherwood Tax’ – relate their news to the Sheriff. When the Sheriff realises they have been charmed by Robin, he is furious and enforces a tax on breathing in air!
Meanwhile, back in Sherwood Forest, the outlaws are learning to fight (THE TIME HAS COME). They are progressing well; however, they don’t understand why Robin insists they learn to play a musical instrument, or why Robin is learning to paint. Robin asks them to trust him for he has a plan.
Marian visits Nottingham and is shocked by what she sees. The people are in a sorry state and feel as though they can’t carry on. Marian reassures them they will receive help (HOPE). When the tax collectors arrive with more bad news, they explain the Sheriff is holding a birthday ball and that he needs a new painter for a much more flattering portrait.
Back at the Sheriff’s castle, the Sheriff asks the Wisewomen how he should behave in front of ladies at his birthday ball. They provide him with rather direct advice and then Gisborne proudly introduces the new talented painter he has found. The hooded painter immediately starts painting the Sheriff and everyone else is instructed to prepare for the birthday ball.
Marian returns to Sherwood Forest only to discover Robin has disappeared on a mission. They have been left instructions to attend the Sheriff’s birthday ball on Friday (dressed as musicians) and to bring their musical instruments with them.
The day of the Sheriff’s birthday ball has arrived. The Wisewomen, with their usual brutal honesty, provide the Sheriff with some top tips! Gisborne explains the painter has recommended a band and Gisborne proudly announces he has arranged for the band to come and play for the Sheriff. The band arrive (it is the Outlaws dressed as musicians) and they sing and play an awful version of Happy Birthday! The outlaws produce their weapons and Robin dramatically reveals that he is the painter. They insist the Sheriff returns things to how they were before. At first, the Sheriff appears to reflect on his poor behaviour but then he concludes he wants to stay exactly as he is (THE SHERIFF - REPRISE). Robin’s father, Lord Loxley, dramatically appears, having been released by Lucy the Locksmith. He announces the Sheriff is a lost cause but there are many more of them, so they will take back their town together (ROBIN HOOD – REPRISE).
