Tunes for men in tights | Auckland Entertainment | Events, Movies and TV Guide for Auckland

Just what songs would Robin Hood's merry men like to hum along to in Sherwood? Sharu Delilkan finds out on the Shore.

Daniel Habedank is looking forward to taking a shot at the musical direction of a stage show. He has the responsibility for ensuring Shoreside Theatre's next production, Robin Hood: A Musical Comedy Spoof is melodically on target.

The Browns Bay resident says his musical prowess showed itself one day after rehearsals for Richard III when he picked up a guitar to jam with the cast.

"It was not long after that the show's directors James [Bell] and Carol [Dumbleton] asked me whether I'd be keen to arrange the music," says Habedank who has his own home recording studio. "My immediate reaction was 'Yes, why not?'.

"I thought it was time to go public with my hobby after recording all that music in my shed."

Bell says Habedank's willingness to get involved gave them the confidence to go ahead with the show.

Written by Dumbleton, Robin Hood: A Musical Comedy Spoof draws from musical comedy, pantomime, the Goons and the Pythons. There's a bit of everything in there: topical humour, singing, dancing, sword fights and romance.

Habedank's found the business of sourcing backing tracks from as far back as the 1920s and 1930s incredibly interesting and, at times, so absorbing he's lost track of time.

"It has been a joy to work with Daniel, especially since he approaches any challenge we throw at him with enthusiasm," says Bell. "For example, we found an obscure song from the 1920s to include in the show which didn't have any existing musical arrangement. Daniel went over and above the call of duty by learning the ukulele to record the track."

Working as musical director has also changed Habedank's perception of musicals.

"I used to hate musicals when I was growing up. But working on the show has made me look at them differently. I can't deny that I'm drawn to the melodies."

Robin Hood: A Musical Comedy Spoof, The PumpHouse, Killarney Park, Takapuna, July 21-31. Times vary. Tickets: ph 489 8360 or see www.pumphouse.co.nz