REVIEW - The 13-Storey Treehouse is a wonderful introduction into children's theatre

On Thursday, we went to the Manchester Opera House to see The 13-Storey Treehouse. Read what our reviewer Erin had to say about this fun family show...

When I first heard that The 13-Storey Treehouse was coming to the Opera House, it was an immediate must-see. I knew I had to take my little brother with me to experience this performance, because I remember reading the Treehouse book collection when I was younger, and being completely immersed in Andy and Terry’s13-StoreyTreehouse, which holds a bowling alley, marshmallow machine, secret underground laboratory, and much more! So I expected the stage adaptation would be the same; adapted by Richard Tulloch (The book of everything, Bananas in Pyjamas) and directed by Julian Louis (Love for One Night, Railway Wonderland, Dreamland), the show brings Andy and Terry to life, and will continue to enchant children all over the UK.

The show begins with Andy and Terry mixing up the dates of their stage show, and having to completely make up a show on the spot! With the help of stage manager Val, they use their imagination and the very expensive and high-tech 2D-3D converter to go on some seriously crazy adventures! With plenty of bananas, seamonkeys and a ‘super finger’, this show is perfect for the younger audience!

If you are thinking of getting your kids into theatre, this is a great introduction. Featuring classic fart and snot jokes, anyone is sure to crack a laugh whilst watching. Andy and Terry were bright and hilarious characters that encouraged the use of imagination to create all sorts of things, and the flow of the show on a whole mimicked the way a child would use their own imagination - giving in animate objects superhuman ability, and quickly rushing onto the next matter-at-hand. I loved the structure of the show, and whilst the beginning was more slow-paced, we as the audience were quickly rushed into fun-filled adventures.

These twas minimal, with stage scaffolding to give the illusion of a ‘stage on a stage’, a basic prop box, and a small cluttered desk downstage left. However, lots of props are soon revealed to help take on the storytelling, even featuring some shadow puppeting by the skillful Ryan Dulieu (Murder is Forever, Agent Anna, The Golden Hour). Dulieu played Andy well, and was enthusiastic in his role. He bounced around the stage with heaps of energy, and the same goes for Edwin Beats (The Lost sock, Jesus Christ Superstar, Billy Elliot), who delivered his lines with conviction and engaged the children in the audience with witty jokes. Ellie Wootton (The Griegol, Hole, The Road That Wasn't There), who played Val, was outstanding in her own rights. She took on multiple different characters for Andy and Terry’s show, bringing a new accent and new personality with each one. And I have to say, I was quite surprised in the first place when I realised the whole cast was Australian!

I would also like to make the point that the show was extremely interactive with the audience. The cast frequently broke the fourth wall - in fact, it was practically non-existent! Dulieu, Beats and Wootton were asking the audience questions, initiating responses, and prompting laughter from the children. The way they interacted was almost personal in a sense, and ensured everyone leaving had a great time!

Me and my 11 year old brother loved this show, and I highly recommend you go and watch it for yourself. It is a wonderful introduction into children's theatre, and I know if my brother, who is very picky about the shows he likes, said he would go back and watch again, I know all children aged 6-12 would love it too. It is on stage from Thursday 15^th - Sunday 18th August, and really encourages imagination, even when you get a little bit older.

WE SCORE THE 13-STOREY TREEHOUSE...



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