The timeless tale of Robin Hood, the legendary English outlaw who steals from the rich, comes to life in Kanata Theatre’s production of The Heart of Robin Hood, running until May 23, 2026. Written by British director, screenwriter, and author David Farr, this modern retelling reimagines the classic medieval hero as less concerned with redistributing wealth and more intent on keeping the spoils of his thievery for himself and his band of merry men.
Before the first line is spoken—or, in this case, sung—the audience knows they’re in for a treat. The stage has been transformed into a forested landscape complete with a canopy of trees and a large horse‑drawn wagon at centre stage. Imagination fills in the rest, completing the illusion of Sherwood’s wild expanse.
Marion’s servant, Pierre (Jacob Dylan), acts as narrator and delivers many hilarious lines. His exaggerated gestures and lively presence elevate the performance and set the tone for the fun that follows.
Marion (Kiara Côté) is the spirited daughter of the Duke of York (Sanjiv Kalra). Smart and brave, she’s not above using her charm to manipulate men when needed. When she falls for the rogue Robin Hood (Michael Hart), she’s forced to get creative after he refuses to let her join his band of mercenaries.
Her sister Alice (Brooke Trealout), by contrast, is simple‑minded and spoiled; a princess whose greatest ambition is to marry well. She conspires with Prince John (Stavros Sakiadis) to enhance her status, while remaining blind to others’ suffering. John, the embodiment of evil, would have found in Alice a perfect partner for his plan to overthrow the King, but instead has plotted to marry Marion. She unwillingly agrees in the hope that her father can return from battle and save her from the unwanted nuptials.
Prince John’s enforcer, Guy of Gisborne (Chris Cottrell), adds menace to the mix, while Robin’s band of Merry Men—Little John (Andrew Michael McCarville), Much (Baylen Purcell), and Will (Andrew Lemieux)—bring warmth and humour. The loyal Makepeace (Matthew Walker) embodies the compassion and decency Robin Hood should have. Two children (Matthew Conlin and Morgan Mowat), a dog (Daria Bester), and a corrupt priest (Brian McCullough) round out the principal cast, each delivering solid performances.
Director Josh Kemp deserves high praise for managing the 31‑member cast and maintaining crisp pacing throughout. The show’s many scene changes, from forest to castle and back again, are executed with remarkable precision. Kudos to Kemp, the set designer, and the stage manager for keeping transitions quick and fluid. In one memorable moment, when a change ran a few seconds long, Alice ad‑libbed, deftly turning it into a fun, spontaneous beat that delighted the audience.
ABOVE (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT): Marion (Kiara Côté) and her sister, Alice (Brooke Trealout); Gisbourne (Chris Cottrell) and the soldiers (Jack McCracken and Jessica Grass) meet the children, Jethro (Matthew Conlin) and Sarah (Morgan Mowat); Martin (Kiara Côté) and Pierre (Jacob Dylan) share a laugh with Prince John (Stavros Sakiadis); Robin Hood (Michael Hart) and his Merry Men (Baylen Purcell, Andrew Lemieux and Andrew Michael McCarville) rob a poor friar (Paul Sheridan).
A standout element of this production is the choreography of the fight scenes. With a villainous medieval prince and a band of thieving outlaws, there’s no shortage of swordplay, and it’s executed so convincingly that the actors look as though they’ve been wielding blades their entire lives.
The acting across the board is strong, with a mix of familiar Kanata Theatre performers and fresh faces delivering confident, engaging work. It’s also a treat to see a few behind‑the‑scenes team members stepping into the spotlight for their onstage debuts.
If there’s one place where the production wavers, it’s in David Farr’s storyline. By the final stretch, the plot feels a bit watered down, as though it’s trying to juggle too many threads before tying everything together with a Disney‑like bow. Still, the performance itself is thoroughly entertaining. Judging by the sold‑out opening‑night crowd leaping to their feet in applause, this show is undeniably a crowd‑pleaser.
The Heart of Robin Hood is another example of Kanata Theatre’s knack for bringing community and creativity together under one roof, or in this case, beneath the trees of Sherwood Forest. The play runs at the Ron Maslin Theatre in Kanata from Wednesday to Sunday until Saturday, May 23rd.
Tickets are available through the Kanata Theatre box office. Regular admission is an affordable $30, and their five‑play bundle offers an even more budget‑friendly way to support community theatre.
Photos: Courtesy Kanata Theatre
