Directed by Robert Young Executive producer(s) Barnaby Eaton-Jones | Country of origin United Kingdom | |
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Created by Richard 'Kip' Carpenter Starring Jason Connery
Judi Trott
Nickolas Grace
Mark Ryan
Anthony Head Opening theme "Robin (The Hooded Man)" by Clannad | ||
Robin of Sherwood: The Knights Of The Apocalypse is a two-hour audio adaptation of the final two episodes of British television series Robin of Sherwood, based on the legend of Robin Hood. Written by Richard 'Kip' Carpenter, it was produced by British production company Spiteful Puppet and directed by Robert Young, who had also directed episodes of the original series.
Contents
The audio play is the continuation of the classic cult series Robin of Sherwood. The series came to an unexpected halt in 1986 due to financial problems. Instead of the planned fourth season, its creator and writer, Richard Carpenter, wrote a feature-length script that followed on from the end of the third season, called The Knights of the Apocalypse. Richard Carpenter died in 2012, before having been able to bring the script back to the screen. The original cast of the series – including Jason Connery, Ray Winstone, Clive Mantle, Judi Trott, Nickolas Grace, Mark Ryan, Michael Praed and Phil Rose – went on to record the audio adaptation of The Knights of the Apocalypse in early 2016. The audio drama premiered in London in May 2016. All profits raised are donated to Mr. Carpenter's chosen charities – the Sherwood Forest Trust and the British Red Cross.
Synopsis
"England during the reign of King John and a dark force is intent on conquest. Only the Hooded Man can stand against it. The Church lies impotent at the mercy of the Pope and the interdict against King John. With the people living in fear and a series of strange disappearances that threaten the very fabric of Noble society, Robin i' the Hood and his band of outlaws must race to rescue the past so that the future may be protected. A journey to Huntingdon and beyond Sherwood will see them battle their most dangerous enemy yet as Herne's Son faces The Knights Of The Apocalypse".
Cast and characters
Production
Producer Barnaby Eaton-Jones has stated that:
"It has been a genuine delight to steer this audio to completion and let the public hear the return of the most iconic version of the Robin Hood legend. All the surviving main cast have returned, even the previous Robin before Jason Connery took over the role (Michael Praed, in a mysterious cameo!), as well as an original series director, Robert Young (director). This is an epic Hollywood blockbuster of an adventure for your ears. Close your eyes and the cast are 30 years younger, being as mystical and magical as they always were."
Reception
The audio adaptation has been well-received, as the production delivered "an audio experience that is every bit as good as its television cousin. The cast sparkle with electricity and it just doesn't feel like 30 years has passed at all. The sound quality has the level of professionalism you would expect of any full-cast audio drama with the effects used to denote period detail perfectly placed".