As well as a rollicking adventure of daring-deeds and heroic action, the story of Robin Hood has also been synonymous with championing the most disadvantaged in society.
Director, Richard Neale explains:
“The stories of Robin were born from need and hardship: The Crusades; Richard the Lionheart; King John. Times when people had nothing and were asked to give everything. There was a magnificent wealth divide in the country. The general public were mis-informed and duped with political hyperbole and if necessary brute force.”
At May Day festivals in the 15th and 16th centuries, the characters of Robin and Marian would visit local merchants, collecting alms to distribute to the poor, which is where the origins of the signature phrase ‘robbing from the rich to give to the poor’ comes from.
This June, we'll will be following in this historical tradition with our production, by holding food bank collections at every performance of Robin Hood.
“As a professional theatre company, we are passionate about our community and everyone who lives it,”
explains Co-Founder Matt Pinches
“Our core work is widening arts engagement, but this also runs hand in hand with enabling social change. GSC is increasingly developing and delivering more work that engages some of the most disadvantaged in our society, and with a play like Robin Hood, we had an absolute conviction that we should champion this play’s sentiment in a practical way.”
In 2017/18, the Trussell Trust, a leading voice on UK poverty and hunger, reported that over 1.3 million emergency three-day food supplies were handed out in UK from Food Banks, a rise of 13%. Matt Pinches again:
“It seems impossible that 30% of Guildford’s children live in poverty, but it’s true. We hope that our collections will go some way to help our local communities, whilst shining a light on very real predicament for many families.”
The North Guildford Food Bank operates at three locations – St Clare’s Barn (Park Barn), New Hope Centre (Bellfields) and Bushy Hill Community Centre (Merrow), to provide temporary help for individuals and families, helping to ensure no-one goes hungry. Se below for a list of the items the food bank would particularly like to receive.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT
The following items have been specifically requested as they are particular short-supply:
- Tinned fish and meat
- Tinned or packet puddings and jelly
- Liquid laundry detergent (ideally 2 in 1)
- Bags for life
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