As a reviewer, it’s easy to feel self-conscious making notes during a
show. Yet with The Man Who Planted Trees
there was no need to worry – so spellbinding was the storytelling that I never
dared put pen to paper.
Fringe regulars, Puppet State Theatre Company return to tell the
allegorical tale of Elzéard Bouffier – the titular man – based on a book by
French author Jean Giono. The story is
of a shepherd (and his dog) who single-handedly re-forested a desolate region
of France
during the early twentieth century.
Through two world wars and political strife, Elzéard Bouffier kept on
planting trees to spread joy across the land.
The tale is a simple one, but is told fantastically by performers
Richard Medrington and Rick Conte. The
use of puppets and props enhance the story, bringing rural France to life in creative
fashion. The result is a sensory
overload – simple visual effects give the impression of an ever-growing forest;
the sound of the wind howling across the landscape fills our ears; and even the
smells of the forest waft over the audience. The beautiful, rustic folk style is well
suited to the story and is accompanied by enchanting guitar music.
Moreover, it’s the actual storytelling that shines through. Medrington’s delivery is lucid, gripping the
audience from start to finish. Conte’s witty
portrayal of the loveable ‘dog’ is the obvious highlight of the show, with cute
and comedy moments aplenty. The banter
between the pair is infectious, frequently breaking the fourth-wall to create
intimacy, drawing the audience in. It’s
impossible not to emotionally invest in this show, which brought a tear to the
eye of even this twenty-something reviewer.
A magical children’s show, The Man Who Planted Trees is essential
viewing for kids and big kids alike – “we know and now so do you”.
5/5
Written for Broadway Baby. For more reviews, visit their website here.