ROBIN OF SHERWOOD Back in the Studio

Spiteful Puppet Entertainment have announced that their audio production of an unproduced Richard Carpenter script for Robin of Sherwood is now recording in studio. The episode, The Knights of the Apocalypse, features the return of most of the original cast of the popular mid-1980s ITV series, with Ray Winstone, Jason Connery, Clive, Mantle, Mark Ryan, Judi Trott, Peter Llewellyn Williams, Philip Jackson, Phil Rose, Michael Craig and Nickolas Grace all reprising their roles.

The audio company, especially formed to produce plays based upon the series (currently broadcasting on BBC Radio 4 Extra), are also delighted to add some new names: the chief villain will be Anthony Head (famous for Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Merlin), and sixth Doctor Who, Colin Baker. And in the role of Sir Guy of Gisburne, a part originally played by Robert Addie who passed away in 2003, they have cast Freddie Cox (son of Edward Fox and brother of Emilia Fox).

Spiteful Puppet have also secured the use of the original Clannad theme tune, which many readers will remember as a popular hit back in the decade the series was originally broadcast.

The Knights of the Apocalypse will be a one-off venture, acting as a tribute to ‘Kip’ Carpenter who died in 2012, and with all profits acquired being donated to his favourite charities. There is currently still active a crowd-funding page at Indiegogo – which achieved its target of £10,000 within 24 hours of going live – and from which those who are interested can still donate and receive additional perks.

Jason Connery (Robert of Huntingdon) said, “I’ve checked the hood, and it still fits. It’s finally time to bring Robin of Sherwood back, and I’m thrilled that our fans have raised so much money for me to get into the recording studio and reunite with the old gang.”

Richard ‘Kip’ Carpenter’s daughter, Harriet, said, “Dad would have been overwhelmed by the response from the fans who have stuck by Robin of Sherwood for all these years. To be remembered like this is something quite remarkable and it’s going to be a great success.”

Clive Mantle (Little John) said, “I always knew the show had an incredible and loyal following. This mass show of support is testament to that.”

Mark Ryan (Nasir) added, “It’s very humbling to know that something you were involved in and enjoyed so much 30+ years ago is still cherished by the fans and relevant today.”

Producer Barnaby Eaton-Jones commented, “It’s been a difficult road to get to the recording studio but I’m delighted that I’ve managed to gather a really strong cast to make sure this is a rollicking, epic tale; set just after the end of the original series.”