The Legend of Robin Hood, read by the author Chris de Burgh

Come away with me on a journey back in time

Many years after the events of medieval daysAnd imagine you′re in a tavern and part of a large expectant crowd

Awaiting tonight's performance

Candles flicker in the darkness

Cups, glasses and flagons are filled with beer and wine

The crowd settle themselves on benches, chairs and bails of straw

As a group of musicians, singers, dancers and poets

Assemble on the stage in front of you

A hush falls on the audience as one man begins to speak

"Welcome ladies and gentlemen

I am the storyteller and my friends and I will endeavour

To amuse, surprise and charm you with our presentation here this evening

We will take you on a journey to the 12th century

To the reign of King Richard of England

Richard the Lionheart, Richard Cœur de Lion

It was a time of great turmoil and disruption all over Europe and the Middle East

With endless battles and strive, crusades and skirmishes, castles and kings

Into this world was born Robert of Locksley

To be known as Robin, the son of the Earl of Huntingdon

A boy who was destined to have one of the most enduring names in history

Who would be known for centuries to come as Robin Hood

Heroes are not born, they have heroism thrust upon them

And so it was with Robert of Locksley

His childhood was one of privilege and comfort

Yet he worked hard and excelled in archery, swordplay and horsemanship

And the healthy pursuits of a dull life

His companion during his early years was Guy of Gisborne

The son of the Earl′s castellan, who worked for the Earl as estate manager and assistant

The two young boys would often be found

In the forests and woods around Huntingdon Castle

Trying to out-do each other with sword and bow

But in later years this friendship would fall apart

Because the gap in their social positions would become

An unspoken burden between them

And for Guy it would turn into jealousy and hatred

As he would harbour growing resentment for his former friend's natural abilities

Not only in archery and swordsmanship

But also for the easy way Robin behaved in society and with the ladies

However and as you will discover in our story

Robin was no different to many a teenager

Seething with resentment under his father's rigid control

And having little interest in remaining at Huntingdon castle

With years of estate management ahead of him, he wanted more than this

He wanted to experience life, a life that he′d heard about from the travellers

Who had dined at his father′s table with stories of a world beyond

And like so many young men of his age

He had hopes and dreams that seemed forever doomed to disappointment

Lost and forgotten on a treadmill of daily life

In many ways, Robin remained very much a character from our times even today

Who finally and indeed most reluctantly answered the call to fight injustice

Simply because he was one of a few people in a position

To actually do something to change lives for the better

From this seed grew an oak, that is become known all over the world

A tree that has withstood the ravages of time

A tree that will stand forever as a symbol of fortitude, resilience and courage

So now, ladies and gentlemen, my friends and I would like to present to you

The Legend of Robin Hood"