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Daniel Bye and Jenni Jackson on bringing Robin Hood to Theatre Royal Bath
Robin Hood might be a story you think you know, but writer Daniel Bye and director Jennifer Jackson have created a version unlike any other. Theatre Royal Bath plays host to a brand-new production that balances fun, action, and heartfelt moments in a way designed to delight young audiences and their families.
With a focus on friendship, justice, and finding your voice in a chaotic world, this fresh retelling brings the legendary outlaw and their merry band to life with dynamic performances, inventive staging, and an irreverent sense of humour. We caught up with Daniel and Jenni to find out what makes this Robin Hood so unique.
Great to chat. So where are we going to find your Robin Hood this Christmas then?
DB: We’re at the brilliant Egg in Bath – because they had the wisdom to ask us to create the show! The Egg has a strong track record of Christmas productions that think outside the box and aim big. We hope Robin Hood will continue that tradition.
JJ: The Egg is such a unique space, part of Bath Theatre Royal, and they always have thrilling holiday productions. It’s one of the rare venues specifically designed for young audiences, so it’s the perfect fit for this show.
What can audiences expect from the show?
DB: A fresh take on Robin Hood! The script is fun and funny, focusing on Robin and the merry band as young people fighting corruption and injustice. Jenni’s direction takes it to another level – it’s incredibly visual, physical, and dynamic, with fights, climbing, singing, and action-packed sequences. It’s going to be a blast!
JJ: Audiences can expect to laugh out loud at the silliness while rooting for Robin and the gang. At its heart, it’s a story about friendship, finding your tribe, and fighting for what’s right.
Daniel, what inspired you to write Robin Hood?
DB: I’ve wanted to do my own version of Robin Hood for as long as I can remember. Much of my work revolves around themes of justice, democracy, and power – who holds it and why – and how small groups can spark big changes. Robin Hood is the perfect vehicle for that.
Young people have an especially sharp sense of fairness, so framing the story from their perspective felt natural.
How long have you been working on this play?
DB: I first pitched it to The Egg about two years ago. The first draft was ready by mid-2022, and while I’ve worked on other projects since, Robin Hood has been a joyful constant in the background.
How close is the current version to your original vision?
DB: It’s both wildly different and remarkably similar. Almost none of the original text survived, but the characters, structure, and core ideas have remained consistent.
Jenni, what drew you to this project?
JJ: I’ve had a long relationship with The Egg, having developed another show there (Thank Heaven for Little Grrrls) and worked on Five Children and It as choreographer and movement director. When I was asked to direct Robin Hood, I was thrilled to return.
Dan’s version felt fresh and exciting. It’s about four young people finding belonging and changing the world. It examines how we’re often cast into roles by others – like the “outlaw” – and how we can reclaim our stories. That’s such a relatable idea, especially for children.
What’s your favourite aspect of the show?
JJ: I can’t pick just one! The music, created by Verity Standen and Simon Panrucker, is thrilling and live – it brings such energy to the space. The cast are wonderfully playful, and one particular role has a surprise twist I can’t wait for children to see.
I’m also in love with April Dalton’s set design. It transforms the theatre into a dynamic, forest-like space, perfect for the physicality and movement in the show.
What was the biggest challenge in bringing Robin Hood to life?
JJ: Making the story feel relevant today. The myth itself is chaotic – an absent leader, a corrupt system, and a group fighting for equity. That resonates strongly with our current global context.
Children also navigate power dynamics daily, often with adults dictating their roles. Exploring that theme through the show has been fascinating.
How important is audience interaction to you?
JJ: The audience is everything! While the show doesn’t rely on participation, it definitely acknowledges them. For many, this might be their first theatre experience, and we want to make it magical.
What do you hope audiences take away from the show?
DB: I want young people to feel empowered, like they can make a difference in the world. Decisions are so often made about them, for them, but rarely by them. I want them to know their voices matter.
JJ: I hope the audience feels uplifted and connected, inspired by what we can achieve together. For adults, I hope it prompts reflection on how they can create space for young voices. For children, I want them to leave feeling powerful and heard.
Who do you think will enjoy the show the most?
DB: Watching the show evolve has been a joy. Jenni’s staging and design are thrilling, and Verity Standen’s a cappella music is stunning. It’s a dream project.
JJ: There’s something for everyone. It’s hilarious, heartwarming, and packed with innovation. Whether you know the myth or not, you’ll love seeing the story unfold.
Is this the world premiere of Robin Hood?
DB: World premiere, baby!
JJ: Absolutely – the first production ever!
Will you be hanging around after the show?
DB: I don’t drink, but then neither do the target audience! I’ll happily chat over a glass of orange juice.
JJ: You might find me in The Egg’s cute little café area with a coffee – come say hi!
What’s the best advice you’ve received in your career, and how has it influenced this show?
JJ: Someone once told me, “There are no mistakes, only clarification.” I love that idea. Making art is about experimenting, revising, and staying playful. Every project demands its own methodology.
Creating Robin Hood has been about inventing a world with the people in the room, embracing the unknown, and trusting the process.
Robin Hood plays at The Egg, Theatre Royal Bath running from 29th November to 11th January. Further information and booking are available here.
