![](https://www.sardinesmagazine.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/3677_1566125366.jpg)
Show: The Man Who Planted Trees
Society: Edinburgh Festival Fringe
Venue: Venue 30. Scottish Storytelling Centre - The Netherbow Theatre at Fringe
Credits: Puppet State Theatre Company
Type: Sardines
Author: Chris Abbott
Performance Date: 17/08/2019
The Man Who Planted Trees
Chris Abbott | 18 Aug 2019 10:35am
This show from Edinburgh-based Puppet State Theatre Company is a regular at the Fringe, and in the very comfortable surroundings of the theatre at the Scottish Storytelling Centre, but this was the first time I had seen it. I soon realised that I had been missing a treat: expert storytelling for the whole family and probably the most engaging and funny puppet in Edinburgh – called, simply, Dog.
Performers Richard Medrington as Jean the storyteller and Rick Conte as his colleague and the puppeteer for Dog quickly set the scene for their story and evoke Provence through miniature sets and the scent of lavender filling the auditorium, but above all through the power of words: an indication of the quality of writing and acting in this quietly powerful piece.
Dog is enlisted as a performer in the story but quickly becomes part of it, and is still there when the story ends many years later. He draws the audience in to the story but the storyteller keeps them there, so that the audience are just as quiet and attentive when the dog is not on stage.
The central point, the importance of planting trees, is well made and likely to be remembered by all in the audience, several of whom were returning for their annual visit to the show. It is the small details that show how well-honed this performance is; the use of scents, the miniature sets and the ways in which the humour of the dog character works with adults as much as the children present.
Not just an expert puppet performance then, or skilled storytelling: this is an example of the power of theatre at its best. The show tours regularly in the UK and internationally; I hope to see it again.
- : admin
- : 17/08/2019