Reviews

NB Links below these review excerpts will take you to the full reviews.

“IT IS VERY, very rare to find something that appeals as effortlessly to children and adults as this magical show …”
Scotsman, 5 Stars
“Laughs, heartbreak, war, regeneration, scented breezes, sparkling wit, the best dog puppet ever. Perfect for children and grown-ups. Terrific.”
Guardian
“There are many large, expensive, star-studded shows on in Manchester over the festive period, but in just an hour with two talented performers, this show beats almost all of them for entertainment, humour, moving storytelling and sheer imagination and cannot be recommended too highly. “
The British Theatre Guide

“One of the most entrancing 60 minutes you will find in any theatre… A little gem of a theatrical experience.”
Wigan Evening Post

“A neatly packaged hour of amongst the finest theatre you’ll see.” ***** DigYorkshire.com

A touching tale, full of the joys of spring and the wonder of nature. [bm] Three Weeks

A simple set and a simple structure enable a simple story to be told, with captivating results. Helena S. Rampley, Science is a Lie – the real theatre blog

Puppeteers Richard Medrington and Rick Conte of the Edinburgh State Puppet Theatre Company, with the help of Dog, an endearing, loud-mouthed button-eyed dog with a bit of a hearing problem showed what an award-winning team could do to breathe life into a simple story of tree planting. Lim Ang Nei, Sunday People – Sunday Times Magazine, Malaysia

I doubt whether there is a more enjoyable show on in London at the moment – for adults as well as children. Rogues and Vagabonds

Expertly put together and extremely entertaining … This is just a wonderful, enchanting piece of theatre for children or for adults. British Theatre Guide

Medrington’s voice is lilting and perfectly modulated, creating tension and pathos. Tempered by Conte’s jaunty puppet work with the dog, this is a multi-sensual and visually witty hour of children’s theatre. The Stage

For all the laughs to be had along the way, the ending is genuinely touching. In the performance I saw I noticed the middle-aged man in the seat next to me take out a hankie and wipe a tear from his eye. Scotsman

At the heart of the play though, is a deeply poignant narrative, taken from Jean Giono’s story of the same name. It really is what so many other narratives claim to be: touching, heart-warming and inspirational.
Add to this already heady mix a beautifully constructed set and puppets, a few giant fans for wafting evocative scented oils around the audience… and it adds up to a flawless show for kids and adults alike. This really couldn’t come more highly recommended. Rachel Jeffcoat at DigYorkshire.com

This really is a show that appeals to all ages and is still a major highlight of the Fringe that can certainly withstand repeated viewings and still seem as fresh, funny and moving as ever. The British Theatre Guide