Sleeping Trees Treelogy, Pleasance Courtyard

By Briony Rawle

It’s been about fifteen years since I was read Enid Blyton’s The Magic Faraway Tree as a child and I can’t remember what happens in it. But it’s ok, neither can the talented SleepingTrees Theatre Company, who have decided to bring not just one but three bizarrely sketchy and botched versions of classic novels to the Fringe this year, based simply on what they can remember about them. Something about a saucepan man?

The company launch straight into their very funny and tightly written rehashing of the story with (bravely, but perhaps slightly confusingly for those who’ve wandered in with no idea of the concept) no explanation or apology for their deviations from the original plot, filling the amnesiac gaps with brilliant reimaginings of conversations between its peculiar characters. I remember the story being dark, but I’m not sure I remember Enid Blyton being quite so keen on bullets to the throat or accidental butcherings. But then, I haven’t read it in years.

The stage is bare throughout this low (no) tech show, peopled and furnished entirely by extremely precise and imaginative physical performances. A brief and irrelevant sidestep into the wet and weirdly licky world of a sardine can is a particular highlight, as is the final scene involving an awkward party guest named Brenda.

The story is very finely told, with sharp and witty dialogue and just the right amount of irreverence, plus brilliant energy from the likeable performers and some very fine-tuned physical comedy. I’m certainly considering returning to see the other two shows, Treasure Island and The Odyssey, and hoping that SleepingTrees can remember as little of them as I can.

★★★★

The Sleeping Trees Treelogy (@WeSleepingTrees)

Pleasance Courtyard

August 14-25th @ 15:30 (1 hr)

@PostScriptJour

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