The Man Who Planted Trees is a consummate piece of children's theatre. The multi-award winning show has toured extensively and been lauded throughout the world. It is a simple, gentle tale of a man who dedicates his life to planting trees and helps build a thriving town. Not, you might think, obvious material for kids entertainment, but this afternoon at the Scottish Storytelling Centre, 80 or so children sat delighted and thrilled as the story unfolded. Doubtless the inclusive of a bright-eyed and bushy tailed dog help things along comedically - though I did wonder what value he added to an already strong and moving story. The story opens with a very funny cross-talk routine between man and dog and slowly modulates into a soft, tonal shift as we meet the man who plants trees for the first time, and then follow as he returns at various points in his life. Everything is judged perfectly; sweet without being cloying.Richard Medrington, as Jean, the straight man and storyteller, delivers a strong, confident and well-polished performance and Rick Conte, his ‘colleague’, plays everyone (and everything) else - including the aforementioned dog. Both are able and engaging performers capable of delighting both youngsters and adults. This piece has won many awards and deserves to win many more. Children of all ages will find something to delight them, enchant them and make them think.