Our Honest Review: The Truth About Trees
- Laura Vida
- Aug 19
- 2 min read
The Truth About Trees By Apropos Theatre
Age: 5+ (Official guideline). We’d say 6/7+
Where: Assembly George Square, The Box
When? 10.45, 9th-30th August 2026 (excl. 17th & 24th)
Duration: c. 45 mins
This show was fantastic in many ways: Alex Zawalyski’s script is original, varied and highly imaginative. Also playing the main character, Alfie, Zawalyski is believably engaging. My almost 5-year-old professed to ‘like’ him. And she’s choosy.
We loved the oak tree (plus roots) projection at the end, and the puppet of Alfie. (Though I wondered why we needed two Alfies? Did I miss something?) The music was soft and gentle throughout. So this would be a fantastic choice for a child who is sensitive to loud sounds. And memorable facts were seamlessly woven into the story: Did you know that of the c. 1,000,000 acorns an oak tree produces in its life, only one will become a tree?
As every parent and educator knows, little people require clarity: a clear plot, explicit content and memorable delivery. They also require spectacle (key), action, and humour. If the senses aren’t engaged, they sigh, sleep, wriggle, etc. And parental fear sets in…
If I’m being critical, I’d say the show might have involved the audience more directly. I’d also say the story needed to be simplified in order to keep younger kids on board. (I found myself explaining a bit.) Truly entertaining and engaging a 5-year-old child is no mean feat.
What a venue The Box is. Totally unassuming from the outside, yet cosy and comfy within. Everyone is up close, which makes it perfect for a young audience.
Thank you for the seed paper, too. What a fantastic idea. We love the fact that every kid was given it on exit. (No whinging for branded merchandise plugged mid-show today.) Phew!
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