Macfarren's Robin Hood (1860)

                      Its history

During the late 1850's and early 1860's, the Robin Hood legend was a popular subject for the theatre since a number of stage productions have been found to have taken place. Robin Hood was taken as the subject for Macfarren's fourth of his six completed and fully staged operas, being revived a year after the premiere production and later taken on tour. 

The critics hailed the opera as one of the highlights of Her Majesty's Theatre 1860 season. Its vibrant music embodies an early English charm that includes the rustic idiom of the "English country gardens" style later captured by Edward German in Merrie England, Nell Gwyn and Tom Jones.

Much of the stage success of Robin Hood is attributable to its writer; poet, dramatist and critic, John Oxenford. Using the legendary backdrop of Sherwood Forest to deliver its dramatic plot, a colourful stage spectacle was provided. Robin Hood reverted to the traditional English opera's use of dialogue rather than recitative to advance the plot

                         

                            Synopsis

 

Details of its premiere recording by Victorian Opera Northwest can be found here.

The Sheriff of Nottingham's daughter, Marian is in love with Locksley, but who is actually Robin Hood. The Sheriff is happy for her to marry this unproven suitor provided that he wins the archery contest. The Sompnour, a collector of Abbey dues, has been collecting in Nottingham and needs to return to the Abbey. On his return journey he is robbed by Robin Hood, and thus, knowing Robin's appearance, he is able to recognise that Robin is Locksley at the archery match and has him arrested. The outlaws later free him, but the Sompnour and Sheriff's men overpower the outlaws and recapture Robin. As he awaits execution, a pardon arrives from King Richard on the condition that Robin Hood and his Greenwood men join the King's forces. With this pardon all are reconciled and the Sheriff agrees to Robin's betrothal to Marian.

 

Robin Hood, Act II  Sherwood Forest

 

The original cast

First performed on October 11, 1860 at Her Majesty's Theatre, London

Robin Hood (Locksley)  .. .. .. ..  .. .. .. .

De Bracey (sheriff of Nottingham)   .. .. .

Sompnour (collector of taxes)  .. .. .. .. .

Allan (young peasant)  .. .. ..  .. .. .. .. ..

Little John (outlaw) .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..

Much (the miller's son)  .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .

Maid Marion (sheriff's daughter) .. .. .. ..

Alice (her attendant) .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .

 

Musical Director .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..

Mr Sims Reeves

Mr Charles Santley

Mr George Honey

Mr Parkinson

Mr Bartleman

Mr Patey

Mme Lemmens Sherrington

Mme Lemaire

 

Mr Charles Hallé