Sci-Fi Bulletin: Exploring the Universes of SF, Fantasy, Horror and Spy-fi!

Award-winning production company Spiteful Puppet have agreed a deal with ITV Studios Global Entertainment (ITVS GE) to produce more audio adventures of the classic 1980s television series Robin of Sherwood with the new series lined up for release this year.

Clarification: Producer Barnaby Eaton-Jones has posted to clarify: “The ‘confirmed’ part of the article means that the audio licence is confirmed, not that we’re confirmed to go into production. WE STILL NEED PRE-ORDERS, so please don’t post that we’re there as – if everyone decides to hold off on pre-ordering – we won’t make the total we need. We’re not far off, so keep encouraging people, please. Spiteful Puppet will post a confirmation on Wednesday morning (1st March) about the project and whether we can start production or not.”

Creative Director Iain Meadows said: “ITV Studios Global Entertainment have been absolutely fantastic and really recognised the potential for a new series to thrill fans of what many regard as the definitive version of the legend. ITV Studios Global Entertainment have the same desire as we do to breathe new life into this most wonderful of series and once again take people into Sherwood Forest for more magical adventure!”

According to Trudi Hayward SVP Global Head of Merchandise Kids at ITV Studios Global Entertainment: “We are delighted to be working with Spiteful Puppet on new audio versions of Robin of Sherwood. Their creativity, passion and enthusiasm are bringing new life to a well loved tale.”

Series Producer, Barnaby Eaton-Jones said: “I first sat by a burning fire of fandom in Sherwood forest, with the blessing of ITV Studios Global Entertainment, by steering forward the charity production of a script from the original writer/creator of the show – in the form of The Knights Of The Apocalypse. Now, after that initial success, we have a brand-new audio series featuring the original cast to fan those flames again. ITV Studios Global Entertainment have been very gracious in allowing us to continue with Richard Carpenter’s Robin of Sherwood and we aim to keep the same style and tone of the original series, even down to the questionable ’80s haircuts (which are easier to get away with on audio). Thirty years after the series was broadcast, we are bringing back Robin of Sherwood and we couldn’t be more delighted. To steal a quote from the show… ‘Nothing’s forgotten. Nothing’s ever forgotten.’.”

Drawing on the rich material created by Richard Carpenter, the production will see his daughter Harriet Whitehouse join as script consultant and feature Jason Connery, Michael Praed and the original cast returning to their roles.

Nicholas Grace who plays the Sheriff, explained: “Having uttered what I thought were my final words as the Sheriff of Nottingham in 1985, I’m thrilled that we’re reviving our Sherwood characters yet again. Another great set of stories to look forward to!”

Clive Mantle, who plays Little John, added: “Back into the forest in 2017 – what could be better than that?”

The series boxset can be pre-ordered now at spitefulpuppet.com/shop Anyone who pre-orders before the end of February gets their name put in a raffle, where they can win various goodies; like signed studio-used scripts and a visit to a recording session.