A dashing hero, naughty nuns, romance is in the air and good appears to winning over evil - as for whether it all ends happily ever after, we'll have to wait and see. One of the most famous of all British folklore stories, The Adventures of Robin Hood is the summer production for the Youth Theatre Company at Norwich's Theatre Royal. The production, performed by members of the Company, is cast from the 500-plus students taking part each year in the Theatre Royal's Arts Courses at The Garage. David Lambert is the arts course director and admits, there's still work to be done before the opening night - just a week away. "At this point there are still some lines to be learnt and some kicking of the backsides to happen, but it'll come together," he said. "We've just choreographed a couple of fights, which is something very new for the students to learn. "Of course, the moment they get a sword in their hand they want to play with it all the time - which is a good thing as it means they're rehearsing it, lots," he added. This adventure tells the story of Robin Hood, his fight with the wicked Sheriff of Nottingham and romance with Maid Marion - played by Jenni Woodward. "Maid Marion is feisty. She's not just a damsel in distress. "She does run about a lot and Robin does save her, but I've tried to put my own spark to her," said Jenni. "I've managed to get a sword fight of my own in one of the fight scenes. "Marion wears the trousers, she knows where she's going in her relationship and she's the only one in the play that gets one over Robin. "It's good fun playing Marion, especially with Harry, as we're also a real-life couple. That helps a lot on stage when we're rehearsing. "The love scenes on stage are not so bad as we've got somewhere to draw it from, a bit of method acting. [laughs] "Everyone takes the mick in saying that he's [Harry] under the thumb. When it comes to Robin and Marion, Marion definitely has the upper hand," she added. It appears however that Jenni and Harry are reading a different script. "I think Robin and Marion have a very equal relationship," said Harry Burt who plays Robin. "It's a nice part to do as Marion, Jenni, is my girlfriend in real life too. "In some ways the Robin and Marion, Harry and Jenny relationships do feed each other. I think it'll be more real on stage because of this. "It's my first time on the Theatre Royal stage. It's quite daunting, but I'm quite looking forward too it," he said. "The nerves haven't set in yet, but I'm sure they will as the production gets nearer. "The fight scenes have been fun, a new experience. There's two scenes, one with the Sheriff which is a sword fight and the other is with Little John on a bridge with quarter-staffs. It's good fun. "It took about an hour to learn the sword sequence, but now it needs a lot of rehearsal," he added. The Adventures Of Robin Hood, a musical romp through English legend, runs at the Norwich Theatre Royal from Wednesday 28 until Saturday 31 July, 2004.
For tickets call the Theatre Royal box office on 01603 630000.If you want to get involved with the arts courses call 01603 598600. 
Robin Hood review
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If this feature has sparked your interest in performance art, you've loads of choice in Norfolk. Check out these websites.
Norwich Theatre Royal
Maddermarket Youth Theatre
Norfolk Youth Music Theatre
Sherwood Forest Country Park
BBC History: Robin Hood
The Legend of Robin Hood
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