Dr. Judas Lynch and Ms. Magnolia Strange are a husband and wife crew of escaped pirate escape artists, who will present their new Underwater Escape Stunt this season. Their feats of liberation have been seen at numerous circuses, ren-faires, steampunk events, fringe theatre festivals, side shows, corporate gatherings, and in prisons all along the coast of High Barbary. Judas and Magnolia have performed some of the world’s most well-known, and most dangerous, escape stunts. Now you can see their reckless behavior for yourself on Sherwood’s Pirate Territory Stage. With comedy, suspense, and abundant audience participation, this pair of flighty fugitives will bring you to the edge of your seat with fantastical narratives and death-defying stunts.  

Queen Eleanor holds court in Sherwood’s children’s area, Once Upon a Time… where she shall receive those who wish to make her acquaintance; and she shall knight young adventurers who wish to follow a path of honour at the Kids’ Knighting Ceremony. But ever since King Richard married the delightful Princess Berengaria, England has been doubly blessed with two just and beautiful queens: the King’s bride and his wise mother, Eleanor of Aquitaine. Attended by a court of elegant and eloquent ladies, these two benevolent monarchs will have their hands full this day as they entertain travelling royalty from Scotland and France. Despite these royal obligations, Sherwood’s queens are always sure to make themselves accessible to their good subjects many times a day, proclaiming decrees at special events like the Front Gate show and the Courtly Dance Show. Though both are women of great power, you may approach them without fear! Seek out the Queens’ Bower near the giant Chess Board, and perhaps she shall name thee a quest, or challenge you to perform an act of chivalry.  

A dragon is hatching! Can you imagine!? Lady Pan invites children young and old to join her once again at the puppet wagon for an interactive musical adventure! Explore the magic of playing make-believe, sing along, and even try your hand at being a puppeteer. For when you believe in something good, you hatch the very thing you always could!

Sherwood Forest Faire’s continuing adventures of Robin Hood commence in the year of 1198. Robin Hood and his Merry Band meet every morning at the Greenwoode Theatre half an hour after the gate opens. There they plan the day’s adventures, but this day their morning revelry shall be interrupted by a traveling merchant with fine silks, who thinks he can pass through Sherwood Forest without paying Robin Hood a toll… and you can bet that neither one of these gentlemen of fortune will back down without a fight. Follow the adventures throughout the day of Robin Hood and Lady Marian, along with Lil John, Friar Tuck, and all their merry friends. They may be found on the stages and in the lanes throughout the Shire. Check the program for a summary of scenes revealing this year’s storyline. Legends of Robin Hood performances are shaded on the daily schedule.  

Makoa and Benedict of the Longbow Shop near the Joust Arena are not your average merchants. These two entrepreneurs are the very world champion archers that inspired Robin Hood to become the best shot in England. At Robin’s behest, and with the royal seal of approval from King Richard himself, Makoa and Benedict will perform a demonstration of impossible shots with English longbows right in the middle of the Lionheart Tavern. Behold as they execute behind the back shots, controlled ricochet shots, multiple target and multiple arrow shots, all performed before your very eyes. But defying the laws of physics is not all these archery champions do. This historical archery showcase encapsulates the role archery plays in the life and times of Robin Hood as well as the story of humankind with an educational and inspirational message. 

This insane Gypsy shall perform dangerous and magical feats for you – and this year he will be teaching some classes. You may find him roving the lanes of Sherwood Forest, performing close-up magic and spinning hilarious yarns. Madman Maverick will amaze and confuse you with his mad-cap variety of stunts and illusions. See him blow fire balls, put kids in guillotines, and generally make a gypsy fool of himself – and perhaps he’ll make one of you, too! 

One night, when the moon was full, the wonderful Maypole, which used to stand next to Maid Marian’s Chapel, mysteriously moved to a new location. The Maypole is a special place where Villagers, Faeries and Nobles alike meet up to dance to the delightful music of Sherwood Forest Faire musicians, and weave the traditional Maypole to welcome the rites of Spring. Come and join the dance, as you are tempted by the smells of Mediterranean delicacies next door at Jerusalem Café.  

Jugging is a military strategy sport, not unlike football or rugby. But in place of the “pig skin” players compete for control of the “dog skull” with medieval weapons to defend and attack. The Medieval Jugging League of Sherwood demonstrate this exciting sport for you each day of the faire in their forest Jugging arena between the Maze and the Washing Well.  Join the jolly and exuberant Juggers for an action-packed contact sport complete with swords, shields, and duels to the death! Come see this rag-tag team of warrior-athletes get medieval on each other! The Juggers are also known to be mercenaries, and you’re quite likely to spot some of them in the Castle Siege scene near day’s end, fighting loyally for… the highest bidder!

Opal and Jade, the bawdy singing sisters, return to Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem Pub this season with more witty songs of saucy adventures and affairs of the heart. Opal is a professional smart aleck who will use her dizzying wit to tickle and tantalize your own. And Jade is a right vicious trollop who will make you laugh beer out your nose – it happens! These alluring experts in the arts of love and suggestion will serenade you at Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem Pub and other houses of ill repute around the village. You can also hear them belting out 12th century sports anthems at the Jugging Arena. 

King Richard’s own master of falconry, Sir Robert Cheseman, appears at the new Falconry Stage several times daily. Watch these amazing birds in flight and learn about their history, special skills, and what you can do to help them remain the Kings of the Sky for many centuries to come. The Falconry stage now sits behind the shoe shop on the right, just a short walk down the main path from the Faire’s Front Gate. You can now see the birds up close where they live in Sir Robert Cheseman’s Royal Mews. Meet over a dozen birds of prey, eye-to-eye, when you tour the home of these incredible animals. 

Solar Rain fire dancers spin fiery forms for musical shows at the Greenwoode Theatre and other venues each day of the faire. Then… on Saturdays only, Solar Rain perform Sherwood’s final show of the day, after the closing cannon for those of you who choose to camp in Robin Hood’s Campground. Alluring and enigmatic sorcerers of fire spin flaming instruments of artwork in motion as they interpret the sounds of Sherwood’s enchanting musicians. They shall captivate you with an inflammable spectacle of whirling fire and explosive juggling. Let Solar Rain be your hosts to kick off a night of festivities and merriment! Many thanks to the Dragons of the Round, keepers of Draco the dragon wishing well and the Round Table. They have generously agreed to host Solar Rain inside their campground, just outside the Camping Entrance behind Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem Pub.

Thomas Wood, Pyrojuggler, returns to the Washing Well stage for the middle two weekends of the faire. This highly-skilled manipulator of various sundries uses juggling balls, crystal balls, full glasses of water, clubs, knives, and about anything you could think of. He also performs fire eating, fire blowing, transferring, fire spinning, and a finale that leaves a literal toadstool-shaped cloud above your head! He is also known far and wide as a contact juggling specialist. This is an art form that cannot be conveyed in print, but must be experienced – a dance of balance, grace, and line of motion, making crystal balls appear to float across the Pyrojuggler’s body like a surrealistic dream. Children shall smile, grown men will giggle like school girls, women will swoon; and all shall be surprised and delighted! Find this flame –flinging daredevil at the Washing Well Stage Mar 22- 31

These hard-working gals are open for business at the Washing Well Stage each day of the faire. Your village Laundresses, Corky and her kooky cousin, will scrub your funny bone and knock your socks off… into the wash that is! Nimble, Naughty, and absolutely available! Find them at the Washing Well Stage for 27 minutes of pure bliss.