Northern Stage, Newcastle – 24th October 2025
Reviewed by Sandra Little
5*****
On a cold and rainy Friday evening I can’t say that I was feeling very enthusiastic about heading to Northern Stage in Newcastle to see Outlawed. However, my efforts were rewarded, and within seconds I was transfixed by the fantastic costume and opening dance routine performed by Friar Tuck’d ( Lucinda B.Hind) The dancing, costume and make-up were all amazing! I was especially impressed by the fact that this super dance routine involving high kicks and splits was performed in huge platform shoes. If anyone has ever worn platform shoes (and I have) they will appreciate the challenge that dancing in platforms brings.
This production by Nonsuch Studios is a mix of cabaret, burlesque, drag and of course comedy. It’s set in the Major Oak speakeasy in Sherwood Forest and involves Maid Marian (Dora Gee), Robin Hood (Hunter Manning) Friar Tuck’d (Lucinda B.Hind) and the evil sheriff played by AK Golding.
This crazy cabaret performed in a studio setting at Northern Stage, had a very loose storyline which essentially involved Robin leaving the Major Oak in Nottingham for a career opportunity in the Muckeh Duck in Derby. Meanwhile the evil sheriff hatches a plan to kill Robin, and Marian is devastated to loose an important performer at her speakeasy club the Major Oak. The style of the whole performance takes several themes from pantomime, including audience participation involving slices of bread, singalong opportunities and an evil villain to despise in the form of the sheriff. Needless to say, as with all good panto, there was of course a happy ending to this crazy production.
This whole production was performed to the backdrop of some great singalong tunes. We had Like a Prayer from Madonna, Thriller from Michael Jackson, I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor and numerous others. Once again, in the second half, we had another great dance routine and fabulous, flamboyant costume from Friar Tuck’d and a great breakdancing routine, including flashing trainers, from the friar and the sheriff.
I’m sad to say that this performance at Northern Sage was the final night of a nationwide tour. However, I would strongly recommend looking out for these performers in other productions. I’m sure this ensemble will return to the stage very soon. This performance was a laugh out loud, feel good, mood enhancing experience! I have given this production 5 stars for the entertainment value, and enthusiasm of the cast. It wasn’t a super sophisticated production but the cast absolutely gave it their all and I’m sure the audience left with a smile on their faces.
Recommended age for this performance is 18 +