IGNORING the potential downpours on Saturday, July 31, The Common Players arrived on the Millennium Green in Sandford at midday and erected their stage next to the pond.

The afternoon theatre workshop proceeded in the dry and the potential "Extras" for the evening performance were well trained as the food and drink stalls were erected around them.

The rain stayed away and there were even blissfully unexpected moments of sunshine! Performances outdoors seem so right this Summer as we struggle to adapt to life with Covid-19. 

Audience members gradually assembled to watch the local musicians perform from 5pm onwards.

Delicious food was lovingly prepared and served by Kirsty Mackenzie and volunteers from Catch 77, a Community Interest Company.

They currently support up to 115 families across Devon on a weekly basis, providing fresh meal boxes and recipes. Cakes and tea were generously donated by many Sandford volunteers and Sandford Orchards Cider provided a bar. 

Pete Matthews and Carol were the first of the musicians to perform, followed by "The Swamp Gods" (potentially a good name for the venue but luckily not that appropriate). Sandford Sings choir entertained the ever-growing crowd to a vast medley of songs - and then it was time for the play. 

This is the Common Players third version of the legend of Robin Hood and tells the story of what might have happened in the Greenwood after Robin and Marian have both died. 

An ageing Friar Tuck, Will Scarlet and Alan A Dale are still fighting injustice mostly in the shape of the Sheriff of Nottingham.

Interspersed with songs, music, some alchemy and very sophisticated puppetry, the storyline assesses the suitability of young Edmund Hood and needless to say he comes through in the end.

Plenty of audience participation in the second-half kept everyone on the edge of their seats.

The Archery competition was completely rigged in favour of Edmund Hood, (Robin Hood’s successor-in-waiting) despite great efforts by audience members. But the best bit, according to many of the children in the audience, was the chainsaw battle between the Sheriff of Nottingham and Edmund Hood. There was certainly plenty of sawdust flying around…

The performance finished with a circle dance involving the whole audience making a giant circle around the whole area. A delightful way to end a delightful evening.

The Green was a perfect setting and many commented on their pleasure at being able to attend an event such as this after so many months of restrictions. 

Di Martin