The Prologue

The Legend of Robin Hood, read by the author Chris de Burgh
Come away with me on a journey back in time
Many years after the events of medieval days
And imagine you're in a tavern and part of a large expectant crowd
Awaiting tonight's performance

Candles flicker in the darkness
Cups, glasses and flagons are filled with beer and wine
The crowd settle themselves on benches, chairs and bails of straw
As a group of musicians, singers, dancers and poets
Assemble on the stage in front of you
A hush falls on the audience as one man begins to speak

"Welcome ladies and gentlemen
I am the storyteller and my friends and I will endeavour
To amuse, surprise and charm you with our presentation here this evening
We will take you on a journey to the 12th century
To the reign of King Richard of England
Richard the Lionheart, Richard Cœur de Lion

It was a time of great turmoil and disruption all over Europe and the Middle East
With endless battles and strive, crusades and skirmishes, castles and kings
Into this world was born Robert of Locksley
To be known as Robin, the son of the Earl of Huntingdon
A boy who was destined to have one of the most enduring names in history
Who would be known for centuries to come as Robin Hood

Heroes are not born, they have heroism thrust upon them
And so it was with Robert of Locksley
His childhood was one of privilege and comfort
Yet he worked hard and excelled in archery, swordplay and horsemanship
And the healthy pursuits of a dull life
His companion during his early years was Guy of Gisborne
The son of the Earl's castellan, who worked for the Earl as estate manager and assistant
The two young boys would often be found
In the forests and woods around Huntingdon Castle
Trying to out-do each other with sword and bow

But in later years this friendship would fall apart
Because the gap in their social positions would become
An unspoken burden between them
And for Guy it would turn into jealousy and hatred
As he would harbour growing resentment for his former friend's natural abilities
Not only in archery and swordsmanship
But also for the easy way Robin behaved in society and with the ladies

However and as you will discover in our story
Robin was no different to many a teenager
Seething with resentment under his father's rigid control
And having little interest in remaining at Huntingdon castle
With years of estate management ahead of him, he wanted more than this

He wanted to experience life, a life that he'd heard about from the travellers
Who had dined at his father's table with stories of a world beyond
And like so many young men of his age
He had hopes and dreams that seemed forever doomed to disappointment
Lost and forgotten on a treadmill of daily life

In many ways, Robin remained very much a character from our times even today
Who finally and indeed most reluctantly answered the call to fight injustice
Simply because he was one of a few people in a position
To actually do something to change lives for the better
From this seed grew an oak, that is become known all over the world
A tree that has withstood the ravages of time
A tree that will stand forever as a symbol of fortitude, resilience and courage
So now, ladies and gentlemen, my friends and I would like to present to you
The Legend of Robin Hood"