The Truth About Trees
'A pitch-perfect, beautifully scripted and performed adventure that gently enables children to recognise our responsibilities towards the natural world.'
★★★★ EVERYTHINGTHEATRE
EverythingTheatre
★★★★
A pitch-perfect, beautifully scripted and performed adventure that gently enables children to recognise our responsibilities towards the natural world.
An earnest show with a talented and professional cast and quietly passionate environmentalist message.
Binge Fringe
★★★★
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.
The Scotsman
Aimed at ages five and up, this show isn’t an ecological fable or
science lesson in disguise - although you will come away having learned something.
LondonTheatre1
★★★★
The myriad ways in which the small company takes the audience into the world of this show was a delight to witness... the production’s point – to ignite people’s imaginations until they understand that anything is possible. A curious and inspiring production.
Edinburgh Reporter
★★★★
The Truth About Trees has an eco message, but one that never gets in the way of the story.
What if the trees had something to say, and you were the only one listening?
When Alfie’s Grandpa reveals that paper, if made correctly, can tell the story of the tree it came from, Alfie isn’t sure whether to believe him. Once he starts to listen closely, Alfie realises that he is the only one listening. He must spring into action to save the trees from being chopped down.
Told using actors, puppets, shadows, and storytelling, The Truth About Trees is a heartwarming story about nature, stories, and standing up for what you believe in.
Who is it for?
The Truth About Trees is a family theatre show for children aged 5 to 8 and the adults who bring them. It was made in Aberdeen, with support from Creative Scotland and Aberdeen Arts Centre, alongside local young audiences.
It works particularly well for children who are curious about the natural world, interested in how stories are made, or drawn to craft and visual art. The puppetry and shadow play hold the attention of younger children in the age range, while the story itself — about a boy who decides to act when nobody else will — tends to resonate most with children at the older end.
One thing we've noticed through performing this show is that adults enjoy it too. There are some shows that are made with one person in mind, and if that's not you, the show isn't your cup of tea. The Truth About Trees is different. Children and the adults that they bring with them can find something to engage, interest, and excite them.
Reviewers have consistently noted that The Truth About Trees works on more than one level (like a tree) at once, and several audience members have described coming out more moved than they were expecting.
It's also an ideal choice for primary school groups visiting Edinburgh Fringe. The narrative connects directly to curriculum areas including nature and conservation, environmental science, protest and civic responsibility, storytelling and literacy, and arts and craft.
We also offer supporting workshops and education packs that cover the key themes, alongside great activities for groups.
The show runs for 55 minutes with no interval.
Activities
We know how important it is for young children to engage with and learn about the world around them. We think The Truth About Trees is a great place to start thinking about the natural world. We've put together a free activity pack filled with activities that you can do at school with your class or at home during the holidays.
Cast and Creative
Alex Zawalnyski - Writer and Cast
Laura Hounsell - Director
Darren Walter - Producer
Ross MacKay - Dramaturg
Morgan Ferguson - Cast
Niamh Blane - Cast
With thanks to Lori Stott, Alex Tait, Annabel Lunney, Eve Nicol, and James Ley for their previous work on the project.