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

As a special treat for Robin of Sherwood fans, Michael Praed returns to the role of Robin  (alongside Nickolas Grace’s Sheriff, Andy Secombe’s Priest and Daniel Abineri’s Herne – the latter taking over the role that his late father John Abineri played in the original series) in an audio adventure by Paul Birch called ‘Sanctuary’, set against at snow-covered backdrop of Sherwood Forest during the festive season, out today from Spiteful Puppet and ITV Studios.

Nickolas Grace, the Sheriff of Nottingham, said: “I’m thrilled that Michael Praed is returning to the role of Robin Hood after a mere 33 years! He was one of the three reasons I accepted the original Goldcrest offer in 1983:

1) I’d always wanted to play The Sheriff of Nottingham; 2) I loved Kip Carpenter’s writing for “Catweazle” and wanted to speak his lines as The Sheriff; & 3) I’d seen Michael’s charismatic Frederick in “Pirates of Penzance” at Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, thought he’d be a perfect Robin, and that it would be exciting to play his antagonist in a new TV Series. I made the right decision!”

Barnaby Eaton-Jones, narrator, producer and director of Sanctuary added: “It was a cheeky delight to step in and narrate this particular story. But, I have to admit, I wasn’t first choice! As the Producer and Director as well, I did ask several original cast members of the show but, sadly, schedules and work commitments clashed and – as the recording session drew near – I had to step in and try to match the talents around me. As those talents were in the form of Michael Praed, Nickolas Grace, Andy Secombe and Daniel Abineri (who are all well-known and well-skilled at recording audio), my nerves were doing a festive dance. Fortunately, the words of the script by Paul Birch were so beautifully written that it made it a very easy task indeed. All of the above mentioned, coupled with the amazing and immersive sound design by Joseph Fox and the Clannad-esque soundtrack by Alexander White of Arpeggio Creative, make this – for me – a very special audio to have worked on.”

‘Sanctuary’ will be available on digital download from the Spiteful Puppet website on Friday 22nd December, retailing at £7.99.

Main image (c) ITV Studios/Rex; studio photo (c) Kim Jones