See GBS' Alan Doyle In Tights

Great Big Sea frontman Alan Doyle will appear in the new Robin Hood movie starring Russell Crowe.

Doyle will appear as the similarly named minstrel Allan A'Dayle in the film, which is rumoured to star Cate Blanchett as Maid Marian. Director Ridley Scott (Alien, Gladiator) will begin filming next month and it's due to hit theatres next year.

"I've been a big fan of the troubadour Allan A'Dayle and am thrilled to have the chance to walk in his shoes," says Doyle. "I am so excited to work with Russell and Ridley and all the cast and crew. This is certain to be the ride of a lifetime."

Doyle also wrote about training for the role in his latest blog entry.

"I was in Australia with Russell, and some other Merry Men, training in Horse Riding, Archery, Weapons Training and a few other skills required for the role. It was great fun, I must say, to look at your schedule for the day and have it read like a 12 year old boy's fantasy; bows and arrows at 10am, sword fighting at 11am etc."

This won't be Doyle's first acting role. He appeared as an extra in A Whale For The Killing, which was filmed in his hometown of Petty Harbour, Nfld. when he was a child.

Crowe and Doyle have been friends for a while and have collaborated several times. Crowe co-wrote Great Big Sea's "Company Of Fools," while Doyle co-wrote several songs on Crowe's My Hand, My Heart album. The actor has also appeared on stage with Great Big Sea on several occasions.

Great Big Sea are touring in support of last year's Fortune's Favour, and Doyle says it will be your last chance to see the group for a few months. They'll also perform at the Juno Awards on March 29. You can see them here first:

March 6-7 Chicago, IL @ House of Blues w/Scythian
March 11 Moncton, NB @ Moncton Coliseum w/Spirit Of The West
March 12 Halifax, NS @ Metro Centre w/Spirit Of The West
March 14 St. John's, NL @ Mile One Stadium w/Spirit Of The West
March 17 Windsor, ON @ WFCU Centre w/Spirit Of The West
March 18 Guelph, ON @ Sleeman Centre w/Spirit Of The West
March 19 London, ON @ John Labatt Centre w/Spirit Of The West
March 20 Montreal, QC @ Metropolis w/Spirit Of The West
March 21 Ottawa, ON @ Ottawa Civic Centre w/Spirit Of The West
March 26 Victoria, BC @ Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre w/Spirit Of The West