Join Robin Hood and His Merry Band in Seattle Children’s Theatre’s Interactive Production

Growing up, Seattle Children’s Theatre plays meant special one-on-one dates with my mom. On a recent Friday evening, it was my turn to take my 11-year-old son to his first SCT show, “Robin Hood.” And what a treat it was — for both of us.

“Robin Hood” is Seattle Children’s Theatre’s newest production running now through May 10 in the Charlotte Martin Theatre. The fast-paced, action-packed and interactive performance had us fully immersed in the fight for fairness and justice from start to finish.

The moment we walked into the theater, we were instantly wowed by the stunning set already on full display onstage. The treehouse-inspired multistory structure is beautifully designed from what looks like scrap wood. The 5-year-old next to me exclaimed he wished he could climb it and I confess, I wished I could too. It set the scene for all the excitement that would soon unfold.

A classic tale with a twist

The storyline transported us to Nottingham and Sherwood Forest, following the classic tale of heroism and justice we all know and love, with a few surprises. It’s a powerful story of unity in the face of oppression, exploring the complex line between what is right and what is just.

Remarkably, the entire show is performed by just four actors, each taking on multiple roles — an impressive feat, to say the least. While it was a bit tricky to keep track of all the character changes at the start, as things unfolded, it became easier to follow the story and fully enjoy it. Part of the charm of this production was how the actors playfully embraced the small cast, leaning on the audience to become an active part of the show.

It was clear from the beginning that this was not a sit-back-and-be-quiet type of performance. The characters enlisted the help of the other merry band members (aka the audience) to fool the sheriff and to help Robin Hood and his men escape by shouting “Long live King Arthur!” A few lucky audience members were even invited onstage for a lively competition. This immersive collective experience kept everyone young and old laughing, cheering and fully engaged.

What we loved about the show

The story tackles themes of oppression, corruption and greed, but keeps things light with plenty of humor and high-energy action throughout. My son and I, along with much of the audience of all ages, found ourselves laughing out loud on numerous occasions, thanks to a clever mix of sarcastic wit and good old-fashioned slapstick. Like the bumbling sheriff riding around on his pretend horse and a hilarious “slo-mo” scene when Robin Hood was able to catch an arrow in his teeth. Prince John was one of our favorite characters, a sniveling, petulant ruler being wheeled around in a bathtub full of gold — we loved to hate him.

I promised my son there would be sword fights, and this production delivered. Multiple epic fight scenes kept us on the edge of our seats. Our favorite was the first meeting between Robin Hood and Little John, when they challenged each other to a staff fight on a bridge — how all great friendships should start.

Sharing the joy of live theater with kids

As we took our seats and I looked around at all the younger kids in the audience, I did wonder if my proud-to-be-a-tween son had outgrown performances like these. When the lights went down and the performers came bounding through the aisles in full character, the sparkle in his eye told me everything I needed to know. My days of being taller than him are numbered, but no one is too old to appreciate the thrill of live theater.

This was a wonderful introduction to SCT for my son and a nostalgic return for me. I was reminded of the warm, kid-centric environment cultivated at Seattle Children’s Theatre. From the touch table where kids can explore props and costumes to the engaging talkback with the actors at the end of the show, each part of the experience is designed to inspire the next generation of theatergoers or makers. “Robin Hood” was the perfect mix of humor, action and heart, sparking meaningful conversations with my son on the ride home — the ultimate goal of a special date with my kid.

Tips for parents

• Be prepared for content aimed at kids ages 8 and older. While all ages are welcome and the action is lively enough to hold the attention of younger kids, the content is geared toward older children. The storyline is fast-paced and can be tricky to follow with the same actor playing multiple characters. There are also some heavy moments involving death, several choreographed fight scenes and three onstage kisses (not that my 11-year-old and I were counting). I would have felt comfortable bringing a 5-year-old, though the death scenes might invite some questions and conversations.
• Arrive early. The lobby opens one hour before showtime, with theater doors opening 30 minutes before the performance. Be sure to arrive with some time to enjoy the preshow activities, including photo opportunities, a hands-on touch table, refreshments and a Robin Hood–themed gift shop for a fun souvenir — yes, there are swords.
• Use the restroom before the show begins. The performance runs approximately 70 minutes with no intermission, so it’s best to minimize any interruptions.
• Be aware of the theater’s rules. Outside food, photography and video recording are not allowed, but drinks with secure lids are permitted.
• Plan to be involved. Remind your child about theater etiquette, but keep in mind that the actors will also be counting on the audience to bring the show to life. Encourage your child to listen quietly when the actors are speaking, and to be lively and enthusiastic when invited to participate!
• If you need a break, make use of the quiet room. The show’s audio is streamed in, so you can still follow the performance while giving your child some space to move or ask questions.