Issy Cory
Did you know that trees could tell stories? That if you pick the right branches, from the right tree, and mush them up into a pulp, they will dry to reveal a story that no one has ever heard. Alfie’s seemingly blank book contains one such story, and he wants to tell it to the world.
After finding out that the nearby forest is going to be chopped down for swanky expensive offices, Alfie decides to take action. With his grandpa’s help, he must find a way to alert the public that taking away the trees takes away the animal’s homes, but not everyone wants to listen.
Apropos Theatre are teaching lessons in good storytelling with this show. Many other Fringe shows could take a leaf out of their book (pun very intended). They have taken a simple idea, and brought it to life with a beautiful narrative, entertaining characters, and staging that ticks all the boxes.
The production quality, though wholly unpretentious, is excellent. An array of props take us from character to character, and the typical school overhead projector provides a gentle whimsy as it throws paper-made scenes up onto a white bedsheet. Pure joy.
When Alfie begins his journey to convince the world of the importance of trees, there is a slight dip in energy with the story, as it feels as though we drift away from the light-handed beauty of the first half. The piece could survive without his brief protesting.
After the wood-carved puppet-version of Alfie appeared onstage, I knew we were in for a treat. I couldn’t see if the children in the audience were looking on with awe, as I was too busy doing that myself. This, paired with a heavenly acoustic soundtrack, was theatrical bliss.
Yes it’s a ‘kids show’ (is anything really just for kids?), but in reality it feels like a spa-trip for world-weary Fringe-goers. How wonderful it is to go back to our roots (again, pun intended) and spend 50 minutes delighting in some old-fashioned storytelling. I was grinning practically the whole way through.
Recommended Drink: Squash! Or Diluting Juice if you’re that way inclined.
You can catch The Truth About Trees at The Crate at Assembly George Square from Aug 8-10, 12-17, 19-24 at 11:50. Tickets are available through the EdFringe Online Box Office.
Jake Mace
Lamesha Ruddock
Jasmine Silk
