The Adventures ot

ROBIN HOOD

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ROBIN HOOD

THE STAGE IS ENVELOPED IN STONE ~LLS. THEY GO BACK AS FAR AND AS HIGH AS THE EVE CAN SEE. THERE COULD BE DOORS, STEPS, PASSAGEWAYS AND CORNERS ALL OVER THE SPACE ••• WE CAN'T BE SURE BECAUSE THERE ARE SHADOWS AND THE LIGHT PLAYS TRICKS ON OUR EYES. TO THIS SPACE - AS NEEDED TO SET A SCENE -WILL BE ADDED TREES, PLATFORMS, CARRIAGES, FURNISHINGS - A VARIETY OF SET DECORATIONS. WE ARE IN AND ABOUT THE MEDIEVAL TOWN OF NOTTINGHAM.

THE DEEP SOUND OF BEATING DRUMS IS HEARD AS THE LIGHTS FADE TO BLACK. A LIGHT COMES UP ON ROBIN HOOD. HE IS ALONE ONSTAGE FACING OUT. AN OFFSTAGE VOICE SPEAKS.

voice What is your name?

Robin Robin of Locksley.

voice well, Robin of Locksley, what is it you want?

Robin Justice. I want justice.

voice Explain yourself.

J Robin

I have been robbed of my land.

vo:ce Robbed? Robbed? I don't think I ~,iderstand you.

Robin MY father's land has been claimed by the sheriff of Nottingham. I have been banished from my own land.

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Voice well, as I see it ••• it was a tax matter. You failed to pay your taxes.

Robin unfair taxes. we paid what was called for by the crown.

voice Obviously, you did not. Prince John • •

Robin x· answer not to Prince John. MY loyalty is to King Richard .

·~Joice . But Richard is not here. ·He is off fighting in the . ·crusades. ·The_. Sher~ff of. ~ottingham is in charge • . ·And if

·. he wants · the taxes inct'Qased· • •.• ~he taxes will be inc~ased. _ .. . . Robin

How long do you think you can go on taking from the poor of this country and •••

voice Oh, come now, Locksley. You ·were not poor.

Robin The people that worked our land were good people . They loved my father. and he loved them. Now they have nowhere to go. No way to feed their families. And the sheriff of Nottingham continues to rob and pillage the countryside. Taking what little the people have .· I demand Justice for them and I demand justice for me. ·

<The drums begin ·again>

voice You'll demand nothing! Be careful Robin of Locksley. The one thing you have left is your freedom. continue to anger the Sheriff and you shall not have that. Your new home will be the castle dunge~n. Remember and be careful.

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<The remainder of the company emerges from the shadows. There is John Little, Marion, Tuck, Guy of Cisbourne, ~urse Mar~eret and Lady python. only the Sheriff is mis~ing.> ·

REMEMBER, REMEMBER REMEMBER, REMEMBER

SHERIFF OF NOTTINGHAM YOU STOLE MY FATHER'S LAND

All

Robin

I'LL NOT FORGET WHAT YOU HAVE DONE NOT TILL THE DAY I DIE

· . -· AND I .. · . - : . . . - . .. ·. · · .· · wiLL -FIND . A wAY To vtcHi. FoR WHAT ·is Jt·icHT

· ·· .. REMEMBER, REMEMBER . ·· .. ." : .". .· · -: · -~ . : ·

THE EVIL THAT YOU DO WILL ALL COME BACK TO YOU

All

POUND FOR POUND IT ALL COMES ROUND IT DOESN'T MATTER WHO YOU ARE WISE MEN KNO.W tt•·s TRUE EVIL THAT YOU DO C.PMES BACK TO YOU.

TOO MANY PEOPLE TURN AWAY AND NEVER GIVE A TO ALL THEY DO AND ALL THEY SAY AND ALL THE HAVOC THEY HAVE WROUGHT BUT ONLY JACK OF KNAVES AND FOOLS WIL~ THROW AWAY THE COLDEN RULE FOR TIMES WILL CHANGE AND COOD WILL OUT SO LISTEN CLOSELY, NEVER DOUBT. REMEMBER.

THE EVIL THAT YOU DO WILL ALL COME BACK TC· 70U POUND FOR POUND IT ALL COMES ROUND IT DOESN'T MATTER WHO YOU ARi: WISE MEN KNOW IT'S TRUE

. EVIL THAT YOU DO COMES BACK TO YOU. EVIL THAT YOU DO COMES BACK TO YOU.

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SECOND THOUGHT

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<The company has moved trees, shrubs, and rocks into place and we are now in a clearing in Sherwood Forest. The Sheriff enters as the others disappear>

Sheriff ccalling to Robin> You!

Robin Why, as I live and breathe. The Sheriff of Nottingham. To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?

. Sheriff someone has been shooting deer and game on the king's land.

. . : . Robin . No doubt · it was someone who·was hungry and needed food. ·

Sheriff And there have been robberies in the woods. Theives setting upon merchants passing thru.

Robin Rich merchants who probably will never miss the small sums · of money they lost. Besides, from what I have been told, these so-called 'theives• never steal from people who came by their money honestly.

sheriff I give you fair warning, Locksley. There is talk that a

1 ban~ of men hides out in Sherwood Forest, and their leader calls himself Robin Hood.

Robin Is that so?

. sheriff I cannot help but think that Robin of LOcksley and Robin Hood are one in the same.

•

Robin Me? Robin Hood? Is that really what you think, Sheriff?

Sheriff Just one slip up, Robin. That's all it will take. And I'li catch you. And when I do • •• you'll see the inside of Nott i ngham Jail •• • Perhaps you'll learn a little respect. <he starts off> Remember what I say. : <he leaves>

<Everyone returns, making a slight adjustment in the set to accomodate the next scene, perhaps adding a small bridge.>

A!l · THE EVIL THAT YOU . 00

WILL ALL .CQME ~ACK TO. YOU . ' . · .. POUND FOR . POUNO IT ALL .90MES ROUN~

NO MATTER WHO vou·· ARE . WISE MEN kNOW IT'S .TRUE EVIL THAT YOU 00 COMES BACK TO YOU.

<They disappear leaving only John and Robin>

Little John Excuse me, sir. You are in my way.

Robin I beg your pardon?

Little John You should •

Robin I should what?

Little J You should beg my pardon.

Robin Beg your pardon for what?

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Little J For being in my way. Is it always •this difficult for you to understand English?

Robin What I understand is that I am facing a rude, loud-mouthed and rat her vain fellow .

Little J stand out of my way and you will h~ve to face me no more.

Robin Perhaps you should move me out of your way.

Little J Well, why not? It will be my morning excercise .

.'

·. . . · <They proceed to ·go at each other· with

staves , each holding his ground tfll John manages to topple Robin>

Little J<cont> well, that was more excercise than I anticipated. You're stronger than you look. <he pulls Robin from the ground>. You're a worthy opponent. <offers his hand> I am John Little.

Robin You are the biggest •little• 1 have ever seen.

Little J <not amused> Hat Hat very furiny. Perhaps that it why most who}mow me think it clever to call me •Little John . ..

Robin Little John? It is clever. I shall call you that.

Little J You have no need to call me aAything. You'll probably never see .e again. I'm searching these woods for someone named Robin Hood. He leads a band of men I wish to Join.

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Robin And why do you wish to join him?

Little J That is my business. When I find hirn • • . I'll tell him •

:Then speak. . . Robin

For you have found him.

well , I • 11 be .•• You? Little J

well, I'll be • ••

Robin

1 am Robin·Hood.

You'll be what? Well? to join me?

Are you going to tell me why ·you ·wish

. .•. .. . . · · · . . . ~-ittle J ~

secaus·e; · •• I like what you do -and what yoU stand ·· .· for •• :·and ••• I'd !"ike ·to find ·out more about the Sheriff of Nottingham. Is that good Qnough?

Robin It's good enough. for me. Welcome ••• Little John .

Little J Thankyou •• . big .Robin . <he laughs at his own humor>

Ohorus<re-entering> THE BAND OF MERRY MEN IS CROWING ONCE AGAIN THEY.RE COMING OVER HILL AND DALE AND TRUDGING THRU THE FEN AND)RUNNING THRU THE GLEN THE BAND OF MERRY MEN IS GROWING ONCE AGAIN <AGAIN) AGAIN (AGAIN).

<They leave. ·· ·a·o one side, near a bush Friar tuck is digging in the dirt>

Robin Ho! Good Father, what are you doing?

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TUck .uh ••• digging, My . son.

Robin And what is it you hope to find?

Tuck well ••• well..

Little J P~rhaps he's not digging to find anything. Perhaps he is digging to hide something.

Hide? Hide? Poppycock! to hide?

.

. . . . . .

You tell us.

What's that bag?

Tuck I ain ··a friar. What would I have

Little J

Robin

TUck Bag? there is a bag somewhere? Where? Where is it?

Robin Right there. Where you were digging.

TUck Oh, that bag. That is the bag you're asking about? that bag?

Robin Yes~

Tuck · Yes, it is a bag isn't it?

Litle J Looks rather like a money ·pouch.

TUck Money? Oh, no. Not money. well, that is • • • not •money• money.

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Robin <to John> Should we have a look?

Tuck Oh, ~o. No,no,no. Two fine gentlemen like you don't want to grovel in the dirt. <he bends to pick up the pouch and Li t t l e John swats him with his staff> Didn't your mother teach you to have respect for a man of the cloth?

Little J . would a man of the cloth say he doesn't have money when he does?

Tuck Did I say I didn't have money? Did I say that? Did I?

Robin f . think I wi 11 .ha~e a look •. . -

· . . . . . nick . . ..

And who are you to take liberties with Friar TUck?

Robin Well, Friar, here in Sherwood I am called Robin Hood.

Tuck Robin Hood? ·well, why didn't you say so? Didn't your mother ever teach you to speak up? I've been looking for you .

Little J To what end?

Tuck Don't interrupt. Didn't your mother Qver tell you it was impofite to interrupt? <to Robin> I was the only monk left at my monastery. we were not a wealthy order. aut the Sheriff of Nottinoham has taxed us out of existence. Took everything. Everything Qxcept the chickens •• I ate them.

Little J And the money pouch?

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Tuck A few gold coins I had hidden away for the poor box. I was burying them until I found you. I knew you would help me to use them to feed a few hungry souls. And •• I want to join your band of men .

Little J A friar in our band? we are a band of fighting men. · I hardly think •••

Tuck You are absolutely right. You hardlY think.

Litle. J careful, Friar. I might forget you're a man of the cloth.

Tuck Let me show :you the cloth.t am cut .from. (qrabs .Robin's staff> . come ·on. - <taunting john> .come on. PUt em up. I'll show you what I'm made of.' come on. come on.

Robin I don't think that's necessary, Friar ••• friar?

Tuck Tuck. I told you . MY name is Friar tuck .

. Robin Well, Tuck, <picks up pouch> I'll see that this goes to good use. And if you want to join us ••• you're welcome. This is John Little.

tuck well, you're the biggest •tittle• I've ever seen. <John rea5ts. He's heard this line too often>

Robin Do you have a horse, Friar?

tuck Poor Friars don't have horses. we··walk. Of course, if there's a donkey around, I'd be happy to ride on its back. <He looks at Little John who doesn't get it at first, but then reacts.>

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Chorus<re-entering> THE BAND OF MERRY MEN IS GROWING ONCE AGAIN THE BAND OF MERRY MEN IS GROWING ONCE AGAIN GROWING, GROWING, GROWING, GROWING .

<Sir Guy, Maid Marian, and Nurse Wimpole · step out of the group as any remaining chorus leaves.>

Robln <holding Guy at swordpoint> stand, ~o!

:· . . . . · .. · Sir.. Guy : •<vehemently) HOW dare·YOU interfere .fn the business of the · crown. - ~Robin· takes.Guy•s sword a~d throws it on the oround.> Release us at once.

Mag<Nurse> What have you done with our horses? <to TUck who is chomping on a chicken leg >You should be ashamed of yourself. · You ••• a friar ••• hanging out with these ruffians.

Little J You seem pretty ~ouqh yourself, good nurse.

Mag . watch how you talk to Margaret Wimpo\e, you forest wood rat.

Little J Pleased to meet you, Maggie. John Little ••• at your service.

Little? Little, YOU say? QVQr SQen.

Oh, no. Not again.

Mag You're the biggest little I've

John

<Tuck and Robin look at John who is trying to control .himself. Finally John walks away, picks uP a tree branch and begins to beat on a rock until the branch breaks.>

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Mag what•s the matter with him? Is he, mad out of his head? <to Marian> some people can't even take a little joke.

Sir Guy Do you know who I am?

Robin cuy of Gisbourne. I've see~ you . ~any · times with the sheriff of Nottingham.

Guy .Then you know he is my friend, and will not take kindly to my being detained. I expect you want money. So take it and let us be on our way.

. . .Robin we intend ··to· take ~;our money~. Sir ~uy.

·.

Mariart And then what?

Robin Ah! You do speak. I was beginning to wonder if you could.

<Guy tries to oet his sword but John steps on it. Tuck grabs ouy and hits him with a chicken leg.>

Tuck Naughty, naughty!

Marian You block our passage, take our horses, rob Sir a·uy ! of his money ••

· . Robin No! we relieve him of the burden of his money. I'm sure he's willing to oive it up.

Tuck c laughing> That • s a good one, ·Robin.

GUY Robin? I thought you looked familiar. You're Robin of Locksley.

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Tuck No. He•s Robin Hood.

Mag Saints protect us!

GUY Then it • s true. You are one in the .-same. : .Just as the sheriff suspected. Locksley_ js Robin Hood.

Marian Are you really Robin Hood?

Robin Guilty as charged, M•Lady~

. . . Marian· · .. .. , . . Then ••• you do not take th'? m~ney for -yours"elf? . ." It .is fo~

· <others •• ..: in need?

Mag Maid Marian, stay away from him.

Robin If you were to come with me ••• deeper into Sherwood Forest, I could show you, M•Lady. There are so many who depend on · what little we take.

Guy You mean what you rob from noblemen -and steal from the king's woods.

Robin we do not hunt for sport, Sir Guy. <to Marian> we hunt for food.cto Guy> And were he here, Kin9 Richard would support what' we do.

Marian And these people are all living in Sherwood?

Robin ·· · They have nowhere else to go. The Sheriff has taken their homes.

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GUY In the name of the crown.

John I doubt that.

Robin The crown belongs to Richard the lion hearted.

Marian would you show me?

Mag Maid Marian! What are you saying? Sir Guy, do something.

Robin _I shall do as you wish, M'Lady.

. . TUck·· I~m not so sure I like the sound of that.

Mag If you take her, you take me. · Maid Marian goes nowhere without Nurse Maggie Wimpole.

Little J Well, we could use a good nurse for awhile.

Mag Me take care of the likes of you? Now I know you're mad .

Little J You know, Maggie, I think I could grow to ·ltke you.

. Guy Wheri. the sheriff hears of this, he'll come looking for you Locksley. And he'll find you if he has to burn Sherwood to the oround.

Robin Oh, he'll hear of it Sir Guy, because you're going to tell him. I don't want you. only your money. You're free to go. And when you speak to the sheriff ••• remind him .••

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<he sings>

THE EVIL THAT YOU DO WILL ALL COME BACK TO YOU YOUND FOR POUND IT ALL COMES ROUND NO MATTER WHO

Robin and John NO MATTER WHO

Robin, John, Tuck NO MATTER WHO YOU ARE WISE MEN KNOW IT'S TRUE

. All<except GUY) . THE EVIL .. :tHAT. YOU DO · ·

WILL ALL ·coME BACK TO YOU PoUND "FOR POUND IT ALt; OOME.S ROUND · IT DOESN'T MATTER WHO YOU ARE . WISE MEN KNOW IT'S TRUE EVIL THAT YOU DO COMES BACK TO YOU <TO YOU> EVIL THAT YOU 00 COMES BACK TO YOU.

Blackout ·

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<IN THE BLACK THE TREES AND SHRUBS ARE STRUCK AND THE SHERIFF·s COUNCIL ROOM IS SET. THERE IS AN ORNATE TABLE THAT SERVES AS A DESK. THE CHAIR BEHIND IT IS OVERLY ORNATE AND COULD BE MISTAKEN FOR A THRONE. TWO FLAGS HANG FROM POLES BEHIND THE DESK. A LONG BENCH SITS OPPOSITE THE DESK WITH AN ORNATE PILLOW ON ONE END. LIGHT SHINES THRU A PANEL ON THE UPSTAGE WALL GIVING THE ILLUSION OF A WINDOW. THE SHERIFF IS BUSY WRITING AT THE DESK SIR GUY ENTERS >

Sheriff Sir Guy. Finally. I expected you to arrive much earlier. Has Maid Marian been shown to her quarters?

GUY Not exactly.

Sheritf Then where· is she?

Guy Most likely, she is somewhere in Sherwood Forest.

Sheriff What are you talking about?

GUY we were attacked ••• robbed .• by a band of thugs ••• as we passed thru the woods.

sheriff And you left Marian there? In the woods?

Guy She chose to stay .

.

Sheriff Sir Guy, you are trying my patience. Will you tell me what happened?

Guy~

Robin Hood.

sheriff what?

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Guy we were taken by Robin Hood and his men. And ••• one other tid bit of news. There is no longer any doubt ••• it is Robfn of Locks 1 ey.

sheriff That is not news. I knew it all along. aut Marian? He's

·abducted Marian? How dare •••

Guy You're not listening. I said •Marian chose to go.•

<Lady Python peeps in the room, then :. ~curries behind a partition. The Sh~riff looks, but ignores

· her>

Sheriff Sir Guy, could_ ~ou •••

<Lady PYthon darts out of hiding and scoots behind a chair>

Sheriff Sir Guy ••• <Lady· python prepares to scoot again> Lady Python! Will you please stay put! <she comes out of hiding and

sits>

. Sir Guy Greetings, Lady Python.

Lady Py Greetings to you, Sir Guy.

Sheriff <to ~uy> Tell me about Marian.

Guy When she learned we were being detained by Robin Hood, she asked to see where he and his band were encamped. She seemed to think his cause admirable.

Lady PY Maid Marian was always a bit of a goody-goody.

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GUY In fact, I seemed to detect a bit of romantic interest between Marian and Robin Hood. ;

Lady py so ••• She has her eye on Robin Hood? Well! Good riddance to bad rubbish. That's what I say.

Sheriff Who cares what you say. Marian is mine~

LadY Py & GUY What?

Lady py Since when?

. · .· ·.sheri~~ · WhY do you think I ·had her brought here? · She has no· . . .

fami 1 Y • • • but • •• she does · have property. : ·.a heal thy dowery ••• a dowery that would be mine if we were to marry.

GUY Marian is the ward of king Richard. He would never consent to the marriage .

Sheriff Richard is off in another country fighting the crusades. He is not here. And his brother, the Prince, doesn't care. As long as I collect his taxes and give him the money and keep him wealthy, I can do as I please.

py And it pleases you to marry Marian?

· Guy Well, he can ' t very well marry someone who isn't here.

sheri~f Which is exactly whY ··)·ou are going to get her •

. Me'?

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py If Robin Hood has taken a fancy to Marian, he's likely to want her back.

Sheriff Good. There's nothing I ' d like better than to get Robin Hood out of Sherwood and into Nottingham. If he comes looking

· tor Mari an, I'll be waiting. And so wlll my dungeons.

cuy And you expect me to oet Marian away from Sherwood?

Sheriff I co.uld· mak,e 'it well ·worth your· \lhile, Sir Guy. Wouldn't it· be nice if ·you never had to pay taxes again?

Guy Never?

Sheriff Never! And there are some lands that used to belong to someone named Locksley •••

cuy You would oive me Locksley's land?

Sheriff It is not Locksley ' s land. It is my land. Now •• • I couldn't give it all to you • • • I would have to give part to my good cousin, Lady Python, who is graciously ooing to consent to help you .

py Why~ cousin, I thought you'd never ask .

Guy <to PY> You don't need the land. You're rich Qnough.

py Nonsense, Sir cuy. one can never be too . rich or too beautiful.

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Sheriff o~ course, I don•t ask•you to do it just for the money, Sir Guy. The money is just a little .•• incentive. You must do it as a favor • ••• for me.

<sings>

· MONEY IS THE ROOT OF ALL EVIL DON'T YOU WISH YOU HAD SOME PILING UP THE LOOT IS SO EVIL D9N'T YOU WISH YOU HAD SOME I COULD BE INVENTIVE FIND A NEW INCENTIVE BUT FIRST YOU MIGHT CONSIDER .WHAT.J SAID BEFORE MONEY IS THE ROOT OF ALL EVIL BUT DON'T YOU WISH YOU HAD SOME MORE?

. Lady py

GIANTS IN THE SKY GET GREAT PLEASURE SINGING FEE-FI-FO-FUM BUT THEY ALL RELY ON THEIR TREASURES WHEN THEIR LIVES GET HUM-DRUM WEALTH IS SO APPEALING NOT THAT I'M REVEALING

· ANYTHING THAT YOU HAVE NEVER HEARD BEFORE MONEY IS THE ROOT OF ALL EVIL DON•T YOU WISH YOU~AD SOME MORE?

sheriff <spoken>Well, Sir Guy? can we count on yo~?

Lady py ot course, we can count on him, cousin.

Together can't we?

Lady py I LIKE COFFEE, I LIKE TEA I LIKE MONEY AND IT LIKES ME

Sheriff

,. , .

WHEN THE SKY•s NOT SUNNY AND THE CLOUDS ARE GRAY A LITTLE MORE MONEY JUST MAKES MY DAY

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Lady Py WHEN MY TUMMY CETS SUMMY AND I FEEL GRIEF MONEY IS HOW. I SPELL RELIEF '

Sheriff COME ON CUY, CIVE IT A TRY DON ' T YOU WANNA SEE WHAT MONEY CAN BUY?

. Sir cuy MONEY IS THE ROOT OF ~LL EVIL AND I WISH I HAD SOME MONEY IS THE ROOT OF ALL EVIL AND I WISH I . HAD SOME

All WHAT AN IRRITATION

·. DEALING WITH· INFLATION . ·THAT'S . WHY EVERYBODY NEEDS A GUARANTOR . M.ONEY IS THE ROOT OF AI;L EVIL .

BUT WE WISH WE HAD SOME MORE~ LOTS LOTS MORE WE WANT MORE .

-Blackout-

<THE LIGHTS COME UP ON ROBIN HOOD'S . ENCAMPMENT IN SHERWOOD. IT IS THE NEXT EVENING ROBIN'S FOLLOWERS ARE BUSY PREPARING THE EVENING MEAL AND FINISHING UP THE CHORES OF THE DAY.>

}

.· All WE GATHER HERE FOR ROBIN HOOD WE MUTINEERS FOR ROBIN HOOD · A HEARTY CHEER FOR ROBIN HOOD ROBIN HOOD

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WE GATHER HERE FOR ROBIN HOOD <SING OUR SONG> WE MUTINEERS FOR ROBIN HOOD <TAG ALONG> A HEARTY CHEER FOR ROBIN HOOD ROBIN HOOD <THE MAN IN THE FORES~ GREEN>

ROBIN HOOD, ROBIN HOOD, ROBIN HOOD, ROBIN HOOD DEEP IN THE WOODS OF SHERWOOD FOREST ROBIN HOOD, ROBIN HOOD, ROBIN HOOD, ROBIN HOOD DEEP IN THE WOODS OF SHERWOOD FOREST

WE GATHER HERE FOR ROBIN HOOD <DEEP IN THE WOODS OF .SHERWOOD FOREST . WE MUTINEERS FOR ROBIN HOOD <DEEP IN THE WOODS OF SHERWOOD FOREST> . A HEARTY ·CHEER FOR ROBIN HOOD ROBIN HOOD ROBIN HOOD, ROBIN HOOD, ROBIN HOOD.

<During the song, Lady Python and Sir Guy disouised as panhandlers have joined in the sinoino and now stand next to Friar Tuck. Their wares are clanging>

Tuck <singing to himself> DEEP IN THE WOODS OF SHERWOOD FOREST, DEEP IN THE ••• Is all that noise really necessary1

Lady PY How dare you speak to me in that • • • cr~me~bering that she i~ in ~isguise> I mean ••• so sorry. It's 50 difficult to control all these pots and pans, Friar. <looks him over> You are a Friar, aren't you1

TUck Indeed I am. Friar TUck! Ready,_ willino and able to administer to all your needs my .good lady.

Lady py <backing away> How nice.

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Sir Guy we were trying to sell a few pots in Nottingham Square, but the sheriff's men ran us out of town. said we weren't taxpayers, so we couldn't sell in the sqaure. we were on ·our way to Devonshire but we lost our way here in the woods.

Tuck You. know,. you look ~ · bit familiar. Have .we met before?:

sir cuy . oh, · not likely. I'm not from around these parts •

. Lady PY But he has .. that kind of face.

Tuck What. kind of face?

· . Lady PY

. .. .. .-

The kind that. looks familiar. some people have them, some people don•t. I don't. ·

Tuck You don't what?

Lady PY I don't have that kind of face.

Tuck what kind of face?

Lady py His kind of face.

Tuck What kind of face is that?

Lady py The kind that looks familiar.

Tuck Familiar to whom?

Lady PY To yoom! I mean .•• to you. Look! Do I look familiar?

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. .

Tuck No.

Lady PY There! You see.

·. Sir GUY

oo you think we ~ould stay the night in your camp? We'd be on our way first thing in the morning.

Tuck I don't see why not. I've never known Robin Hood to turn away anyone needing a helping hand.

<John joins them>

Lady PY Robin Hood.? I don't think I know that name.

John Don't know the name MRobin Hood?" MY qood woman, where have you been?

Mag <entering> Tuck! What is this mess you've mixed up in this pot?

Tuck Mess? It's my special recipe. Friar Tuck's Heavenly stew.

Mag Heaven, you say? I think you've qot your directions wrong. I've served better tasting swill to my pigs .

Tuck Oh? Are you in the habit of tasting the food you give to your pigs?

Mag What are you trying to say~ you overstuffed porcupine?

Tuck Porcupine? Why you ...

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Mag Porky. PorkY.! Porky!

John <coming between them> Enough. calm down, Tuck. · I'm sure Nurse Maggie would be happy to mix up a batch of stew a little more acceptable to her tastes.

-. . Tuck . .

wen, there are fwo ·weary ·travellers· right here · that · will welcome a bit of •my• stew, I ' m sure. <to Guy and Python> Right? .

. . What? ·

. Guy -~nd PY

. . Tuck -You.'re· pungry; -right? · .

Guy arid PY <not too enthusiastic> Uhh ••• uh •••

Tuck

.·

come with me. You're about to sample gourmet cuisine. The best stew you're oonna get this side of the pearly ~ates.

<Guy and Python follow Tuck to a makeshift table where he proceeds to dish up some stew. Robin enters>

John Oh, Robin. <Robin continues walking past John.> Robin? <no response> Mr. Hood?

Mag Where's Maid Marian?

Robin <suddenly alert> Marian? Did you say •Marian?• Is she ~. here? .

John Oh, no!

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Mag What is it?

John Just look at him.

<Robin has picked up a mandolin <?> and is lightly strumming and singing>

Mag What's he singing? ·tt sounds like •••

John Yes. Marian.

Mag ·- -· He's singing about Maid Marian? MY mistress, Marian?

John Lovesick! That's what he is. Lovesick! All day ••• it's all I've heard from him . Marian this and Marian that. Is she the same?

Mag Well, I should hope not.

Robin <sings>

MY HEART QUICKENS ITS PACE, WHEN I LOOK AT HER FACE I'M IN LOVE WITH MARIAN

THO WE'VE ONLY JUST MET I AM CAUGHT IN HER NET I'M IN LOVE WITH MARIAN

I'VE SUCCUMBED TO HER CHARMS, HERS ARE THE ARMS I WOULD LIKE TO TARRY. IN

IT SOUNDS SILLY I KNOW, BUT I MUST BE THE BEAU OF MARIAN, MARIAN, MARIAN

, John HE'S ENTRANCED

Mag NO, HE'S DAFT

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IT'S ROMANCE

THAT'S A LAUGH

HE'S IN LOVE WITH MARIAN

HOW ON EARTH CAN IT BE IT'S JUST HY-PER~BO-LE

John

Mag

John

Mag

John and Tuck HE'S IN LOVE WITH MARIAN THE SIGNS ARE ALL THERE, LOOK! HE'S WALKING ON AIR SOUND THE CLARION

ROBIN LET DOWN HIS GUARD AND HE'S FALLEN HARD FOR MARIAN, MARIAN, MARIAN.

Men HER EYES AND HER HAIR AND HER LIPS

Mag STOP RIGHT THERE!

All<except Robin> MUST HAVE SMITTEN HIM

THO THE SENTIMENT'S BLAND, I.T'S A FIRM BOYISH HAND HIS LOVE IS WRITTEN IN

YOU OAN SAY WHAT YOU PLEASE, BUT THE BIRDS AND THE BEES HAVE SURELY BITTEN HIM HE MAY RANT HE MAY RAVE

BUT HE STILL LOOKS SUAVE IT MUST BE THE BRIT IN HIM.

TUck

Robin MY HEART QUICKENS ITS PACE WHEN I LOOK Ai HER FACE

All HE'S IN LOVE WITH MARIAN

27

Robin THO WE'VE ON~Y JUST MET, I AM CAUGHT IN HER NET

ALL HE'S IN LOVE WITH MARIAN

Robin I'VE SUCCUMBED TO HER CHARMS, HERS ARE THE ARMS . I WOULD LIKE TO TARRY IN IT SOUNDS SILLY I KNOW, BUT I MUST BE THE BEAU OF MARIAN, MARIAN, MARIAN.

Dance-----------

All<after dance> THO THE SENTIMENT'S B~AND THE FEELING IS GRAND SOUND THE QLARION

JULIET, ROMEO . PIERRETTE AND PIERRO!

ROBIN AND MARIAN

HE'S IN LOVE WITH MARIAN.

-...

Robin

All

27A

. .

CTuck and John carry Robin off leaving Marian, Mag, Guy and Python. Python is whispering to Guy.>

Lady py cmoving to Maggie> Excuse me, you are a nurse, are you not?

Mag Yes?

Lady PY well, I seem to be having a bit of trouble with my stomach. some~hin~ I ate, no doubt.

. .. . . ~ :·;.,ag . . . No ·doubt. You shOuld ·have-had more ~2nse·than to eat that goop Friar Tuck called stew. ·

. . Lady" py . . ~erhaps there's s~mething you could giVe me to ease· my ­dlscomfort?

Mag I'm not that kind of nurse. If you need medicines and powders, you need to talk to a doctor.

Lady PY surely there's someone in the camp who can help?

Mag well, I'll ask about. Tho I don't know what the cure could be for Friar Tuck poisoning.

Marian . Please, see what you can do to help, good nurse .

Guy <he has been hovering about Marian> Thankyou, kind lady.

Mag I'll b~ rioht back. cleaves>

Marian It's strange, but •• Tell me •• • Do I know you?

. 28

'·

Lady py <removing her disguise> well, .after all these year~, I should hope so.

Marian Lady Python! What are you doing here? And why those clothes?

.. : . Lady .Py Oh, these clothes. These clothes. . Oh, Marian only for you would I put on these awful •••• things.

GUY . · . Oh, .get on with it. <removes disguise) I .. want to get out. of here.

Marian . Sir GUY! You here~ Joo? What on earth are you.doing?

Lady py We've come to save you, my dear.

Marian save me? save me from what?

Lady py Sir Guy told us how these theives accosted you and took you · prisoner •••

Marian I'm hardly a prisoner: Sir Guy, did you really say that?

. Guy The Sheriff of Nottingham sent us to escort you to the castJe. He thought you might be in danger.

Marian I am in no danger here. And I can leave whenever I like. It's Just that ••• I don't think I'm quite rQady to l12ave ..• yet. . ..

<Lady Python is gesturing to Guy who is preparing to grab Marian>

29

' ·

I •

Lady Py Oh, you're ready, Maid Marian. You're ready. Get her.

<Guy grabs Marian and pta·ces ·a cloth over her mouth. Mag returns and sees Marian struggling>

Mag What are you doing? What is this? Si-r Guyr stop that. Let her go.

<Mag kicks Guy. She is pulled away by Python. Mag and Python fight ·white cuy ties Marian's hands •

.,.. .. Python c)nd Mag grab pots and start to :duel. - bcimging the · pots together •• Tuck enters>

TUC~ Are you ban.ging those pots and pans again;~.? . What? .

<Mag is distracted by TUck. Python pushes Mag into Tuck and the two go sprawling. PYthon pushes the cart of pots and pans at Tuck and Mag and she and Guy make their escape taking Marian with them.>

Mag Help! somebody, help!

~Robin and John run in>

John Maggie! What is it? Are you all right?

Mag Marian •••

Robin Marian? What about Marian?

John Tuck, what happened?

TUck Thos2 peddlers •••

30

. .

Mag They weren't peddlers. It was Guy of Gisborne ••• in disouise. He's kidnapped Maid Marian.

John But why?

. ·Mag If I hadn't seen-i-t_with my own eyes, I wouldn't have 'be 1 i eved it.

. Robin The. sheriff . m':ls.~ be behind ·.this· .. · I've oot -to ·oo .. ~f~.er ... her •

... ... -·. Mag

And I'm ooing with .you.

.. . . : .. Tuck.·· You can't go prancing into Nottingham. The sheriff will have spies all over the place. · ·

Robin <picking up Guy's disguise> well, this seemed to work for Sir Guy, so ••• perhaps it will work for me. ~urse Margeret, perhaps you should oo on ahead. Marian may need you. Just tell them you escaped.

Mag But I oave Sir Guy quite a kick. And I did a lot more to the other one.

. John f ·knew I liked you Maggie.

Robin Tete them you didn't recogn~ze them. It was dark. They'll believe you.

Mag I'll handl~ · it.

John But be careful, Maggie. wocldn't want anything happening to you.

31

Don't worry. Mag ;

I- can take care of myself, John Little.

John Be sure that you do.

Robin Hurry, Margeret.

<she leaves>

Tuck <to John>Little John, don't tell me you're beginning to like tbat ·woman? . .

John She's not so bad.

Robin We'll wait till morning. That way · the sheriff might think we've decided not to follow. This fight is personal, lads. You don't have to come with me.

John Fat chance.

<sings>

WHAT E'ER BETIDES YOU ROSIN HOOD WE'LL STAND BESIDE .. YOU . ROBIN HOOD BUT THEN, OF COURSE, YOU KNEW WE WOULD <HA !> ROBIN HOOD.

TUCK ROB~IN HOOD

All ROBIN HOOD, ROBIN HOOD, ROBIN HO~D.

-BLACKOUT-

3 2

<WHEN THE LIGHT\ ARE RESTORED , THE FOREST IS GONE AND WE ARE OUTSIDE NOTTINGHAM CASTLE IN THE MAIN SQUARE OF NOTTINGHAM TOWN. IT IS THE NEXT DAY. THERE ARE STALLS FOR MERCHANTS SELLING THEIR WARES AND BRIGHTLY COLORED AWNINGS TO PROTECT THEM FROM THE SUN. A GATE IS OPEN ING OR, PERHAPS, A BRIDGE LOWERING OVER THE CASTLE MOAT AND THE SHERIFF WALKS THRU -OR DOWN - FOLLOWED BY MARIAN, MAG, SIR Guy· AND LADY PYTHON .• · EVERYONE IN THE SQUARE IS SINGING.> · . . ·.

All WELCOME TO N01TINGHAM, ·wELcOME TO NOTTINGHAM NOTTINGHAM, .NOTTINGHAM TOWN.

·COME· TAKE A STROLL IN NOTTINGHAM WE'LL SEE· THE .WHOLE OF ~OTTINGHAM .THE HEART AND SOUL ·OF NOTT.INGHAM . · I'VE HEARD THAT WE'RE THE FAVORITE OF THE CROWN

COME TAKE A LOOK AT NOTTINGHAM THE TREES AND BROOKS OF NOTTINGHAM AVOID THE CROOKS OF NOTTINGHAM SOME OF WHOM ARE VILLAINS OF RENOWN

WE'VE GOT A CASTLE THAT CAN RIVAL ANY CASTLE IN THE LAND WITH A DUNGEON THAT'S AS DREARY AS CAN BE THERE'S A BUTCHER AND A BAKER AND A STEAK AND KIDNEY STAND AND A SHOP WHERE YOU AN SIT AND SIP YOUR TEA.

WE SELL OUR UARES IN NOTTINGHAM BUT NO ONE CARES IN NOTTINGHAM A SALE IS RARE IN NOTTINGHAM IT:~ LIKE NO OTHER TOWN.

WELCOME TO NOTTINGHAM, WELCOME TO NOTTINGHAM NOTTINGHAM, NOTTINGHAM TOWN.

SOME COME TO JOUST IN NOTTINGHAM AND SOME GET SOUSED IN NOTTINGHAM OR GET DELOUSED IN NOTTINGHAM THE PERFECT PLACE TO COME AND CLOWN AROUND.

33

·.

Sheriff YOU CAN RELAX IN NOTTINGHAM IF YOU PAY TAX IN NOTTINGHAM YOU'LL PAY THE MAX IN NQTTINGHAM

ALL OR GET RUN OUT OF TOWN.

ROBIN, TUCK, JOHN Cin disguise> WE'VE GOT A FOREST ·WE CALL SHERWOOD

woman . MANY PEOPLE CALL IT ·HOME .

Sir Guy AND OUR GOVERNMENTAL SYSTEM IS UNIQUE

. ·All WE HAVE HOLIDAYS AND CIRCUS GAMES THAT RIVAL THOSE IN ROME · OUR MAY DAY CELEBRATION LASTS A ~EEK.

Sheriff WE HAVE NO MAYOR IN NOTTINGHAM FOR I TAKE CARE OF NOTTINGHAM SO DON'T YOU DARE CURSE NOTTINGHAM

NOT WHILE HE'S AROUND. NOTTINGHAM, NOTTINGHAM.

All

THE SHERIFF SWEARS IN NOTTINGHAM THAT ALL IS FAIR IN NOTTINGHAM BUT DON'T COMPARE OUR NOTTINGHAM TO ANY OTHER TOWN~ •• AROUND

1

WELCOME TO NOTTINGHAM, WELCOME TO NOTTINGHAM NOTTINGHAM, NOTTINGHAM TOWN.

CMargeret is standing off to the side and Little John ~pproaches>

John <pulling her aside>Excuse me, M'lady, you look like a woman of quality.

3A

Mag Don't pull at me. what is it you want?

John Just to show you what I have to sell, fair lady.

Mag : Some other time. <John shows her his ~a~> -I have much . too

much on my mind right now· to~ •• to ••• John!

John Shh! Not so ·loud. ·.

.. . ·sheriff ~ : .· Your attention. There is good news to announce. · come Marian. · <Marian doesn't move~>

John .· .. .What's o.oing· on?

Mag come with me. You wont believe what I have to tell you . <they leave>

Sheriff You musn't be so glum, Maid Marian. Nottingham will rejoice when I tell them of our plans to wed.

Marian You're mistaken,Sheriff. I have no plans to marry you or anyone else.

Lady PY Sir G~y, look. <she is pointing at Robin> That' man. The clothes he's wearing. Aren't they the clothes you were wearing last night? At Robin Hood's camp?

Guy I do believe you're right.

Lady py Do YOU think • • • ?

GUY Robin Hood! And he's wearing my disguise . What gall!

35

•'

Lady PY The other one must be that Friar. come with me.

Tuck where•s Little John?

Robin I saw him talking to Nurse Margeret: ·Check there ••• behind that tower. <Tuck goes behind a tower>

sheriff Don't be a fool, Marian. I'm in control here. The last ·thing you want to do is go against my wishes.

Marian No, sheriff. The last thing I want to do is marry you.

. .... . .· . <Tuck has emerged from around the tower.

Meanwhile Guy and PY have stalked him and PY hits Tuck on the head. TUck falls into Guys arms and Guy drags him behind a wall . Then PY and Guy sneak to the rear of Robin>

Sheriff You know Marian, I am your sole protector here.

Marian I am the ward of king Richard the Lion-Hearted. I don't

·need your protection.

Sheriff oon•t be so sure. king Richard may never return from the crusades. Without Richard, you'll need a friend.

Marian I hav~ friends. True friends.

Sheriff <grabbing her wrist) Oh? And where are they? Where are they when you need them?>

Robin <throwing off his disguise> Right here, Sheriff.

Marian Robin!

36

' .

Sheriff well, well, well. Robin of Locksley.

Robin come now, sheriff. You know better than that. <draws his sword> come do battle with Robin Hood.

sheriff ~ladly.

Marian <she sees Sir Guy> Robin. Look out.

. . .

ground.> <Guy hits R<?bin ·and "ile·falls to the

stierlff · .Quick. Shacl_<le him.

Mariah <starts for Robin> No! <Sheriff grabs her> Let me go.

· Sheriff Take him to the guards and have him locked in the dungeon.

Lady py <to -sheriff> I expect to be rewarded for my quick thinking, cousin.

<PY and Guy drag Robin off>

Marian No! No!

Sheriff <letting her go> Well, Maid Ma-rian. You're free to go wherever you wish.

Marian What are you goi·nq to do to him?

Sheriff That depends on you, MY dear.

37

Marian What do you me~n?

sheriff Marry me and Robin Hood goes free.

Marian And if I refuse?

. Sheriff Robin Hood hangs. I don't expect an answer right away, my dear. But, tomorrow morning, in my council room, I shall be interrogating Robin Hood about his illegal activities. His crimes will be duly noted . I'm sure there will be enough evidence to condemn him. However, if you· were to come to me later with the news that you have come to your senses and wish to marry me ••• well, I'm sure we could find a way to drop the charges against Robin Hood.

Marian And he would go free?

Sheriff Oh, you do drive a hard bargain, Maid Marian. <he starts to leave, but turns back) Let's think about it, Marian. And if I were you, I.d think very, very carefully. <exits) .

Marian <looking about) Margeret? Nurse Margeret? Margeret? Where

· are .you?

<Mag ente~s followed by John>

Mag Maid Marian, what is it? Where has everybody 9one?

t

Marian Who is this?

John <removes disguise> It is I, Marian.

Marian Little John! Thank 9oodness. we must hurry.

38

John Where•s Robin? And Tuck?

Marian I have not seen Friar Tuck, but Robin has been taken. Ambushed from behind by Sir Guy and Lady PYthon.

Mag The devils.

John Where have they taken him?

Marian To the dungeon

John· That's not goo~. Getting him out of the.re wilt' take a lot of help.

Marian The sheriff plans to interrogate Robin in the council room tomorrow morning.

John Good. There wont be many 9Uards. I'm sure I can get in and rescue him. I'll·stay the night in Nottingham.

Mag There's a small room adjoining my chambers in the west wing.

I can .hide yo.u there. That way I can let you know when they take Robin from the dungeon.

' GoOd.

Oh, what a headache!

John

<Tuck comes staggering out>

TUck·

John TUck? What happened?

39

Tuck I was hit from behind.

Mag It looks like, Lady Python struck more than once today.

Tuck Didn't her mother ever tell her that it's impolite to sneak up on people like that?

Marian we shouldn't stand out here talkin9. someone might see us .

JQhn You're right.

Tuck Where•s Robin?

John . I'll explain later, Friar. For now, we must find a way t o sneak into Nurse Margeret's chambers .

Tuck I beg your pardon?

Marian we will save him, wont we , John?

John <sings> WE'LL RENDEVOUS IN NOTTINGHAM WONT SAY ADIEU TO NOTTINGHAM . UNTIL WE'RE THROUGH IN NOTTINGHAM AND ~OBIN IS NO LONGER IN THE HANDS

OF LADY PY

All IN NOTTINGHAM

John AND OLD SIR GUY

AO

IN NOTTINGHAM .

IT•s DO OR DIE

IN NOTTINGHAM TO SAVE OUR MERRY BAND

WELCOME TO NOTTINGHAM PHFFFT! TO NOTTINGHAM NOTTINGHAM, NOTTINGHAM TOWN.

All

John

All

-BLACKOUt-

END ACT I

.41

• •

·- .; p

Act II

<THE LIGHTS COME UP ON THE .COUNClL CHAMBER. ROBIN IS IN A CHAIR, HIS HANDS BOUND BEHIND HIM. THE SHERIFF IS CIRCLING THE CHAIR, CHUCKLING.>

Sheriff . well, things are not looking especially jollY for you, are they? What? NO answer? What•s the matter? Cat got your tongue? or is it possible, you just have nothing to say?

. · Robin · OhJ I have plenty to say, sheriff. · But I'm sure you've heard ·it all before and have no interest in really

· listening. Perhaps ~hen King Richard returns ••• 0 . . ...

Sheriff ·

.·

Richard ••• Richard ••• Richard! When will you get it thru your head. Richard may never return . You have to deal with me.

Robin Oh, I intend to, Sheriff.

Sheriff ·vou know, we could work together.

Robin Ha!

• Sheriff You .command a lot of men in Sherwood Forest.

' Robin I command no one.

Sheriff They follow you. They listen· to you. work for me, Robin Hood. Help me. Prince John will ~ be grateful. we could do a lot for you. Do you hear what I say?

<Song:A REASO~ABLE MAN>

A2

. '

I COULD MAKE IT WORTH YOUR WHILE <Robin:How?> I'D RETURN YOUR DOMICILE <MY house?> CAN'T YOU SEE, MY FRIEND, I AM A PERFECTLY REASONABLE MAN.

FOR AS STRANGE AS IT MAY SEEM ROBIN, WE COULD BE A TEAM FOR YOU SEE, MY FRIEND, I AM

A PERFECTLY REASONABLE MAN.

I CAN GUARANTEE YOU ANY FAVOR THAT YOU SEEK PERHAPS YOU'D LIKE TO TAKE A LITTLE TRIP TO MOZAMBIQUE? OR HOW ABOUT A HAREM? WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE A SHEIK? SPEAK! SPEAK! SPEAK! .

THERE'S NO NEED FOR YOU TO THIEVE ONLY ASK AND YOU'LL RECEIVE. MUST I DRAW A D.IAGRAM, CAN'T YOU BE A REASONABLE MAN?

<spoken>

·- ..

You could be my personal representative to the people. They trust you. And I'd reward you. I'd reward you well.

I CAN MAKE IT EASY, THERE'S NO REASON TO REBEL HERE! HAVE AN APPLE - NO! A SWEET. A CARAMEL . . LIFE IS SO MUCH BETTER FREE THAN IN A CELL. WELL? W~LL? WELL?

DON'·T BE STUPID, AFTER ALL, I CAN BREAK YOU, MAKE YOU CRAWL. BUT I'M DOING ALL I CAN, YES I AM TO BE - CAN'T YOU SEE - I AM REALLY A REASONABLE MAN.

A3

• .. • f"'

Robin <Laughs> You're very funny, Sheriff. But it will be a freezing day ih the month of August before I help you in your evil schemes.

<During the song, Little John and Tuck -have crept into the room and we now see Tuck trying to drop a large sack over the Sheriff. He misses.>

Sheriff Did I hear something?

John <coming out of hiding>I don't know, Sheriff. Did you?

Sheriff What? Who .are you?

Tuck Will you stand still!

Sheriff What are you trying to do? Where are my guards?

<Tuck tries the sack again and the Sheriff jerks away, falling against John. He grabs at John and catches the amulet around his neck, pulling it off. Tuck gets the sack over the sheriff and ties it. John frees Robin.>

Robin well, Sheriff. good.

I don't think I've ever seen you. look· so

John Nice job, Friar. You tucked him in there quite well.

Tuck can we get back to Sherwood now?

Robin Not without Marian.

John She's perfectly safe, now.

AA

Tuck Yes. without having you as a prisoner, the sheriff has no hold over her. And Marian is the ward of King Richard. The sheriff wouldn't dare harm her.

John And the sheriff is making a lot of noise. sooner or later

· 5omeone will he<ir him; we should leave.

Robin I don •t know •••

. John Don '.t worry. Nur5e Margeret wi 11 get Marian back to Sherwood. come on.

Robin

'TUCk We'd invite you to go along, sheriff, but, at the ~oment, you seem to be all tied up.

<They exit leaving the 5heriff grunting and 5truggling. Lady PYthon enters>

Lady PY cousin? cousin? Are you here? <The sheriff makes sound> What? What is that? <sees sack) Sheriff? Is that· you in there?< Sheriff is grunting 'Get me out."> cousin ••• <she is releas~ng him> ••• how did this happen? What were you doing?

Sheriff 1

Doing? What was I doing? I was trying to get out of that sack:

Lady Py But how did you get into that sack?

Sheri'ff That Robin Hood •••

Lady py Robin Hood put you into the sack?

A5

Sheriff No! two of his Sherwood Forest ruffians got in here and released Robin Hood .

Lady PY And they put you into the sack.

Sheriff Will you forget the sack! The sack's not important. Didn't you hear what I said? Robin Hood got away.

Lady PY What's that in your hand?

Sheriff <noticing the amulet) oh~ I grabbed one of those ruffians and this came off in the struggle. <he stares at the amulet)

Lady PY Well~ you wont get Marian to marry you now.

Sheriff oon•t be so sure.

Lady PY When she finds out that Robin Hood is free •• •

Sheriff She's not ooing to find out.

Lady PY What? You think she doesn't know about this -rescue?

_ sheriff I'm ,sure she knows . that there was an attempt to rescue Robin Hood.

Lady PY · cousin. You sound devious. I like that.

Sheriff We'll tell her two men broke into the council room and tried to rescue Robin Hood, but they failed. Now we have thrQe prisoners in the dungeon. And I have the proof. <holds up the amulet> This amulet that I took from one of them.

A6

·.

Lady py Oh, cousin. You~re so clever.

Sheriff I know .

. . Lady PY so sneaky.

Sheriff I know .

Lady py so ·evi 1. , .

Sheriff I know. I know. Lady PYthon, qo immediately • • • tell -the Jailer to admit no one.-•• absolutety ·no one to the dungeons. And if anyone asks tell him to say we have three prisoners in .solitary confinement.

Lady py Right away .

Sheriff Then get Maid Marian and bring her here .

Lady PY Your wish is my command . • • clever, sneaky, evi l one. <she ·exits laughing>

<sings>

THO ROBIN MAY BE FREE MARIAN STILL WILL MARRY ME AND I'LL MAKE HER HAPPY CTHAt IS, IF I CAN> I'M A REASONABLE MAN .

sheriff

-BLACKOU1'-

A?

. .

<The lights restore on the council room. It is later that same morning. The sheriff is "posed" looking out the window. Lady Python enters followed by Marian and Margeret>

. Lady PY Sheriff, you wished to see Maid Marian.

Sheriff Ah! Lovely maid. And with you is your loving nurse. <Mari-an and Mag look confused> You must forgiye me. I have had a difficult morning.

Lady PY Indeed he has. Poor bdoy.

Sheriff I was attacked by ••• oh ••• ten men ••

Mag TWO!

Lady Py and Sheriff what?

Lady PY

Mag Two? Oh, no. Not 'Two•• • •• "choo ...

Ohoo?

Yes~ Lady PYthon. ohoo!

Ohhhh.

Lady Py

Mag I sneezed. You know ••• <she demonstrates>

Lady PY and Sheriff

Marian And what did these men do, Sheriff?

AS

: '

Sheriff Oh! thinos I could. not repeat for your delicate ears, Marian. But I can say this ••• Had I not been swift and alert and courageous <he notices LadY PY looking at him> ••• well, anyway. I might have been killed. ·

Mag I doubt that.

Marian But what was their purpose?

sheriff I think they hoped to rescue Robin Hood.

Marian and Mag Hoped?

Sheriff

·.

But, they failed! three.

And now instead of one prisoner I have

Mag 1 don't believe it. <the Sheriff is dangling the amulet> · Where did you get that?

sheriff What?

Tha.t amu 1 et. Mag

Sheri if . Do you recognize it?

·' Mag Recognize it? I •• How could I? It's Just that ••• ·

sheriff Yes?

Mag It ' s rather unusual. I find tt ••• interseting.

49

I •

Sheriff It belongs to on.e of the prisoners. ' He offered it to the jailer as a brib~ to let him go. But the jailer brought it to me.

Mag I don't believe it!

Lady py· .why, Nurse Margeret, why are you so upset?

sheriff well, enough talk about me. <to Marian> Let's talk about you. or better still about·. "'us... our wedding.

Marian It looks as.though I have no choice.

·Mag Marian!

Sheriff There's always a choice, Maid Marian. I don't want you to feel obligated to me. If you'd rather not marry me, that's fine. Of course, now I have to think about three hangings instead of one.

Marian There will be no hanging. I'll marry you, Sheriff.

Sheriff Three days.

Marian What?

~ sheriff we'll be married three days from now.

Marian so soon?

Sheriff We'll have a small celebration. A Jousting match. A banquet. Then ••• the wedding. come Lady Python. we must make arrangements.

50

\

Lady Py With pleasure, cousin. Cheer up, Marian. You'll make a lovely bride.

<they leave>

Mag · ·Marian, what are you doing? You can't marry the Sheriff.

Marian · I must, nurse. I have to save Robin. And now, · it's not just Robin . There's also Little John and Friar Tuck.

Mag I can't believe they let themselves .be captured.

Marian .aut the amulet ••• it was Little John's?

. Mag Yes, it was . But still ••• something's wrong.

Marian It's all my fault. well, in three days I'll set it right.

Mag No, there's got to be another way.

<sings>

IT TURNS MY STOMACH JUSt TO THINK ABOUT YOU WALKING DOWN THE .AISLE BESIDE THAT VILE, DISGUSTING MAN.

YOU pAN'T MARRY THAT PUFFED UP BEUROCRAT, MARIAN BE HIS WEDDED WIFE? GOOD GRIEF! WHAT A LIFE! THINK AGAIN.

WHAT A HORRID THOUGHT TO BE CAUGHT IN THE CLUTCHES OF THAT AWFUL, AWFUL MAN, NO! NO! YOU CAN'T MARRY· THE SHERIFF OF NOTTINGHAM.

51

WHAT CAN I DO WHAT CAN I DO THE FUTURE LOOKS DISMAL THAT MUCH IS TRUE ROBIN'S IN DANGER IF I CAN SAVE HIM, I MUST.

Marian

YES, I MUST MARRY THE SHERIFF OF NOTTINGHAM.

<They sing together then Mag screams ••• >

Mag No, no! I'm qoing into Sherwood for help. We've got three days. I'll find a way to stop this wedding or my name's not Margeret Wimpole.

~rian But, Margeret, how shall I explain your absence?

Mag I'm not absent. I'm sick. I'm confined to my chambers .•. to my bed. Nurses get sick too, you know. I'll not be missed. The sheriff and his cousin - the snake lady - are too busy congr~tulating themselves.

Marian Be careful, Margeret.

Mag And you, Marian. You be careful, too. <she leaves.>

1

<sings>

WHAT A HORRID THOUGHT TO BE CAUGHT

Marian

IN THE CLUTCHES OF THAT AWFUL, AWFUL MAN BUT ROBIN'S IN DANGER ROBIN'S IN DANGER SO I MUST MARRY THE SHERIFF OF NOTTINGHAM.

52

. ' .

<The lights fade to black. In the dark we hear voices singing "Nottingham: Nottingham• then the music segues into "Robin Hood" and the lights come up on a section of the. encampment in Sherwood . Robin, . John and Tuck are there as Mag enters>

Mag John?

John Maggie.

Mag And Robin. And you, too, Tuck.

Robin Where • s Marian?

Mag I knew it couldn't be true .

Tuck woman, what are you. talking about?

Mag The sheriff said. that the three of you had been captured and put into the castle. dungeon.

. . John · And you believed him?

Mag He had your amulet •

. : John <reaching for the missing amulet> It was torn off in the struggle. I forgot.

Robin Marian thinks t•m still a prisoner?

Mag And she plans to marry the sheriff to save your life.

53

•• J

Robin when is the wedding to take place?

Mag In three days. He"s planning a celebration. There•s to be a jousting match and . ••

Robin A jousting match?

John Interesting.

. Robin I haven•t done any jousting .in a long time, but ••.

Tuck What are you thinking?

Robin t•m thinking that I am going to enter a jousting tournament .

<sings)

TA~LY-HO, WE.RE OFF AGAIN <OFF AGAIN) WE.RE GONNA GO TO NOTTINGHAM <NOTTINGHAM>

All AND WHEN WE GET TO NOTTINGHAM THE WEDDING PLANS ••• ARE OFF!

<They continue to sing and a light picks up the Sheriff, Guy, and Lady PY on a turret and they join in singing. Then Marian enters and stands as · we saw her at the Qnd of the last scene and she Joins in the singing. The voiceS are interupted by a trumpet fanfare and we see everyone moving into position for the next scene as the set changes to the jousting ground)

All

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' '

. Sheriff <Making a pronouncement> And now, the final' match. sir Guy of Gisborne, still undefeated in today•s tournament has . offered to joust one last time, taking on anyone from the crowd who wishes to go against him.

weu·: sir Guy. match.

Lady PY You've had quite a day. You've won every

Guy Jousting has always been one of my best 2vents.

Sheriff oome now. Is there no one here who is willing to challenge Sir Guy? surely there is someone •••

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... Robin

<Stepping forward. He wears a mask and his green doublet is covered by shining silver jousting_armor> Yes. There is someone. I should like to accept that challenge.

Sheriff Bully. What is your name?

Robin some call me one name ••• some call me another.

Sheriff Is this some kind of riddle? What are we to call you today?

Robin Today I am called the challenger. Tho I hope by the end of the day I may be called "the winner."

Lady PY You are clever, Sir Challenger • . For your sake, I hope you joust as well with your arm as you do· with your mouth.

Sheriff The winner of this final match will become the owner of this silver chalice and on this day will be proclaimed as the champion of my bride to be, Maid Marian. Let the match begin.

<Robin and Sir Guy mount their horses and retreat to opposite sides. They raise their lances and

.· charge towards each other. After several passes, Sir Guy drops his lance.>

All ON YOUR MARK ON YOUR HORSE GET SET TO GO THE JOUSTING'S ABOUT TO BEGIN

HOLD YOUR LANCE HOLD YOUR BREATH BRAVISSIMO THE JOUSTING'S ABOUT TO BEGIN

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! .

• ON YOUR MARK, ON YOUR HORSE GET SET TO GO THE JOUSTING'S ABOUT TO BEGIN HOLD YOUR LANCE, HOLD YOUR BREATH FOR SOON YOU'LL KNOW WHETHER YOU LOSE OR YOU WIN.

<Gallop and fight>

ON YOUR MARK, ON YOUR HORSE GET ~ET TO GO THE JOUSTING'S ABOUT TO BEGIN HOLD YOUR LANCE, HOLD YOUR BREATH FOR SOON YOU'LL KNOW WHETHER YOU LOSE OR YOU WI~~

WHAT A FIGHT, · WHAT A BATTLE, WHAT A BRAWL HARD TO TELL WHO WILL TAKE THE FINAL FALL.

ON YOUR MARK, ON YOUR HORSE GET SET TO GO THE JOUSTING'S APPROACHING THE END HOLD YOUR HEART, HOLD YOUR BREATH FOR SOON WE'LL KNOW · WHETHER YOU LOSE OR YOU WHETHER YOU LOSE OR YOU WHETHER YOU LOSE OR YOU WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! .

<Lady PY ~ives Sir Guy a staff. Guy goes for Robin. Robin dismounts and blocks the blow with his shei ld.· . John throws his staff to Robin and Guy and Robin continue to do battle. Robin strikes a blow that hurls Guy's shield to the qround. He has him cornered.)

Lady PY Enough! <to sheriff> The challenger has won. Declare the match over.

Sheriff Well, we have a new champion. <to Marian> Give your champion his prize, Marfan. And perhaps he'll want to come to our wedding feast.

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.. • ·4

Marian Robin. You're free.

. sheriff <drawing his sword> aut not for long. I knew it would come to this, Robin Hood. Now • •• it's you and me.

<Robin and the Sheriff cross swords in battle. Margeret runs to Marian. Meanwhile, Little John makes his way to the steps. There is cheering and confusion ~s the battle goes back and forth . Finally, Robin sweeps the Sheriff's sword away . >

Sheriff Now what? What do you intend to do?

Robin Nothing, Sheriff. I leave you to the justice of King Richard. <he goes to Marian>

Sheriff Richard? You•·11 never see Richard again . You should have taken me while you had the chance. <he goes for his sword but John brings his sword down to block the sheriff>

John I think it is time you all saw King Richard again.

<A light behind Little ·John shines up and seems to cast an aura about him. Little John removes his doublet revealing a doublet of gold mail. -He -removes his

·hat and his hair <a wig> comes off with tt. He wipes his hand: across his face and removes his mustache.>

Mag Little John, what are you doing?

Marian Maroeret. Look! can it be •••

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-. ,, .. ·"

John Yes, Maid Marian. Not Little John, but King Richard the Lion-Hearted. · <Everyone bows> I'm sorry to have deceived you all . I chose to pose as John Little so I could join Robin Hood in Sherwood. I wanted to see for myself if the stories I'd heard were true. Robin, you are a good and loyal subject. You and your band shall be pardoned.

Robin Thankyou, your Grace.

John< Richard> As tot your land, they are yours again. The sheriff has no claim against you. Indeed, Sheriff, I expect monies in ·your treasury to be distributed to all those you have wronged. After which, I expect we shall have a new sheriff of Nottingham. MY subjects will be treated fairly again. I . expect this all meets with ·your· approval, Marian?

Marian Yes, my King .

John <to Mag> You will forgive me my deception, wont you .•• Maggie?

Mag Sire .•• I don't know what to say.

John <a pronouncement> Peace and Happiness to all my subjects.

Sheriff Happiness? You've taken away my money, my land, my position. What have I left?

John Your life, Sheriff. Your life . co ••• and ~se it wisely .

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