Wanted! Robin Hood @ The Lowry, Salford, until 11 Jan

We all know the tale of Robin Hood – of the altruistic outlaw riding through the glen, whose daring deeds overthrow the corrupt Sheriff of Nottingham and liberate the serfs. We've all watched Kevin Costner swashbuckling in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, and laughed at the Pancake Day song in Maid Marian and Her Merry Men.

The Library Theatre Company's interpretation of this classic piece of English folklore is a fun family show exploring some tough moral choices, all brought to life by a hard-working and versatile cast. Ciaran Kellgren's Robin is as sharp as the sword he carries, leading a band of petty thieves. His merry lads survive in the wilds of Sherwood Forest with their wits and archery skills, robbing from the rich and poor to feed themselves.

An encounter with Marian of York begins to change their motivations. Marian's hand has long been promised to the ruthless Sheriff of Nottingham, Walter Fitzwarren, a role Emilio Doorgasingh fills with menace. She appears sweet and maidenly in a sweeping red cloak with berries in her hair, but Amelia Donkor portrays Marian as a feisty, independent young woman. She may be stuck in a turret waiting to be married, but at least she has books to read – unlike her illiterate husband-to-be. Christopher Wright is also excellent as Sir Eustace, the Sheriff's self-serving steward.

Director Amy Leach has previously worked with The Library Theatre for Arabian Nights, the company's 2012 Christmas show; and, as a veteran writer of family Christmas shows, Charles Way's script provides rich characters, laughs a-plenty and opportunities for swordplay. It also resists patronising the younger members of the audience, presenting characters with difficult choices: should Robin fight against Walter Fitzwarren when doing so will risk his life? Should Marian send a letter to Queen Eleanor, alerting her to Fitzwarren's tyrannical rule? And should they both pause for a moment to just admit they fancy each other?

Designer Hayley Grindle's set transforms The Lowry's Quays Theatre into both the imposing Sheriff's castle and the rustling forest, as metal chains clang from ceiling. At times they serve as trees on which the Merry Men joyously swing; at others they're manacles in a hidden dungeon. It's not only the set that doubles but also the cast: Peter Landi is patient and fatherly as Friar Tuck, and also dastardly as mercenary Guy of Gisbourne. [Jacky Hall]