BBC adaptations

Robin of Sherwood and the new age

In the new age environmentalism of the 1980s, Robin rediscovered his mystical roots and his connections with the Green Man. In Robin of Sherwood (1984-86) he even borrowed a forest spirit from another part of the country - Herne the Hunter - to act as his mentor. ‘Robin, the Hooded Man’ by Clannad was the famous theme tune that accompanied the TV series. Robin of Sherwood also gave us a first effort at social inclusiveness with the Saracen character Nasir.

Feminism

Tony Robinson's 1989 series Maid Marian and her Merry Men - a 'made for BBC' children’s television - sees Marian as the hero of the day leading an incompetent bunch of men. The epitome of feminism it may be, but it is only a return to an old idea from a ballad which portrays Marian as equal to Robin in a fight.

Robin Hood, BBC ONE, October 2006

So... where to now for our hero? From October the BBC television series starring Jonas Armstrong as the outlaw has been on air. Robin Hood, a man of our time with his band of men (and modern day hoodie) continues his battles with the Sheriff of Nottingham (Keith Allen). Visit the BBC Robin Hood site here.