|  | In this programme, a fictional character, an ice hockey star named Bobby Loxley (played by Panthers star Brent Pope) goes in search of Robin Hood. The aim of the programme is to get an outsiders view of Nottinghamshire - Robin Hood County, and contrast their expectations with the reality. Bobby starts off trying on a Robin Hood outfit at the costume hire shop, Showpacs, who have hundreds of medieval costumes. He goes on to meet the modern day sheriff. Our Bobby, dressed as Robin Hood is surprised that the Sheriff is a woman but Joan Casson, todays Sheriff, tells him how proud she is of the role.
Listen to the banter between Bobby Loxley and the Sheriff of Nottingham (28k).
On Maid Marion Way, Bobby Loxley meets another Robin, Darren Mitchell, who plays Robin at the Tales of Robin Hood. He says Nottingham people are used to seeing him in costume walking around the city.
Listen to 'Bobby Loxley' (relative) speaking to Darren Mitchell, a Robin Hood impersonator (28k). Sarah Julian, Sense of Place producer, says:
"When making the programme both Brent Pope and I were fascinated to discover the many faces of Robin Hood, from hero, criminal, communist, eco warrior to mystic. Maybe the best bit though, was seeing an ice hockey player walk around the city in green tights!"
"The global notoriety of Robin Hood is also reflected in the programme. Whilst recording the programme we came across a woman from Moscow who was thrilled to meet Robin Hood."
Listen to a Russian tourist getting rather excited when she meets Bobby Loxley (28k). Bobby ends up in Sherwood Forest , away from the tourist trail, where he meets historian and Robin Hood expert Richard Rutherford Moore from Calverton and discovers a more spiritual, mystical side to the outlaw.
Listen to Richard Rutherford Moore, a historian and a Robin Hood expert discussing the legend (28k). As for finding the spirit of Robin Hood Richard Rutherford Moore advocates getting out into Notts:
"To reconnect to that spirit you need to go to all the secret hidden places in Nottinghamshire with association to Robin Hood, great places, far off the beaten track. If you take the right spirit there you get the right spirit back , gives you a stronger connection to him that sitting in the library."
As for our hero, Bobby Loxley, he finds out a lot about his namesake, but for the crowd at the Ice Arena, its the sporting star whos their real hero.
Listen to the audio documentary >>> |
