It's a classic story

Published on 1st May 2008 in Ents

Edinburgh-based children's theatre specialists Puppet State Theatre bring their widely acclaimed adaptation of Jean Giono's classic story The Man Who Planted Trees to Selby Town Hall on Sunday, May 11. 

The magical, comical, multi-sensory performance re-visits a story written by Giono for Reader's Digest.

He was asked to write a story for a feature entitled The Most Extraordinary Person I Have Ever Known. The publishers loved the outcome, until they discovered that the main character didn't actually exist. The author subsequently gifted this heart rending tale of a shepherd called Elzeard Bouffier, who grew a forest in the French Alps, to the public domain. 

The story has inspired many environmentalists, including Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari Maathai, whose Greenbelt Movement is responsible for planting more than 30 million trees in Africa.

The show, aimed at ages six and above, follows Bouffier, accompanied by his faithful dog, as he sets out to plant a forest and revive a barren and desolate land.

Puppet State create a magical world where the audience hear the wind, feel the rain and smell the lavender growing on the mountainside in a memorable blend of comedy, puppetry and inspired storytelling. Hilarious, yet profound, this is a wonderful parable of life - the tale of a human being who saw a need and decided not to ignore it but to put things right.

Chris Jones, Town Council arts officer, said: "Puppet State Theatre have a reputation as one of the nation's finest puppet companies.

"This show has enjoyed sell out runs at the last two Edinburgh Festivals, receiving several five star reviews and some of the best audience feedback I have ever come across."

Tickets for the May 11 show are priced at £3.50 for children and £5 for adults. Doors open at 2pm for the 2.30pm show, and tickets can be bought in advance from 01757 213758. For more information go to www.selbytownhall.co.uk.