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The Truth About Trees

 
Hannah Mackenzie Review by Hannah Mackenzie 3 Published: 9 Aug 2025 Assembly George Square Show Dates: 31 Jul 2025-24 Aug 2025

The Truth About Trees follows Alfie, a young boy who, thanks to his grandfather, discovers a book written by a tree and is inspired to protect the stories of the trees in the woods surrounding his home. The story is told by three actors, who also make use of some impressive puppetry to enhance the tale – the shadow puppetry in particular is almost enchanting.

The shadow puppetry in particular is almost enchanting

The show has a solid concept, but sadly does not focus on it as much as it perhaps should. A stronger version would place greater emphasis on the actual stories told by the tree and make more extensive use of the charming shadow puppetry. Instead, the focus is often on Alfie’s life – his school, his mother, his teachers – and in doing so the relatively short runtime becomes clogged with content that does little to enhance the central message.

In addition, the production’s conclusion inadvertently suggests that activism will do nothing. Several drawn-out scenes underline the fact that people either ignore or openly mock Alfie’s efforts to save the trees. As a result, despite his grandfather’s claim at the end that the trees were inspired to band together and protect themselves because of Alfie’s actions, the audience is left to doubt this – and, in fact, the implication seems to be that environmental activism is unnecessary because trees can simply save themselves.

Nonetheless, the show is fairly well assembled. The actors are engaging and friendly, happily chatting with audience members before the performance begins. While the environmental message is unlikely to be new to any older child who has been in primary school for more than a few years, the narrative’s concept remains an interesting one – and it may yet result in a few parents finding bathtubs clogged with toothpaste and twigs.

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The Blurb:

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. For previous work: 'the kind of surprise find the Fringe is all about' **** (TheWeeReview.com).