THE MAN WHO PLANTED TREES Puppet Show Set for Melbourne International Comedy Festival, April 10-14

Direct from Scotland, The Man Who Planted Trees is a hilarious and heart-warming tale about the difference one man and his dog can make. Returning to Arts Centre Melbourne as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival from Wednesday 10 - Sunday 14 April, The Man Who Planted Trees is a puppet show with side-splitting Punch and Judy-style characters and a strong environmental message from Scotland's Puppet State Theatre Company.

A captivating adaptation of Jean Giono's classic environmental tale L'homme Qui Plantait Des Arbres, this is the story of a shepherd, his dog, and their mission to transform a barren land into a beautiful forest, acorn by acorn. Hear the wind, feel the rain and smell the lavender in this multi-sensory theatrical production. An engaging mix of storytelling, comedy and puppetry, The Man Who Planted Trees is an inspiring show suitable for families and kids aged 7+.

Puppet State Theatre Company, based in Edinburgh, was founded by puppeteer Richard Medrington. After performing his one-man puppet shows for 20 years he joined forces with fellow puppeteer Rick Conte and puppet-maker Ailie Cohen in 2006. Their first collaboration The Man Who Planted Trees has toured to schools, village halls, theatres and festivals across the United Kingdom and Ireland as well as in Malaysia, Bermuda, the Netherlands, USA, Canada and Australia, including performances off Broadway at the iconic New Victory Theatre.

Arts Centre Melbourne presents, in partnership with Sydney Opera House and Castlemaine State Festival, The Man Who Planted Trees, adapted and performed by Richard Medrington and Rick Conte. Set and puppet design by Ailie Cohen.

Performances take place at Arts Centre Melbourne, Fairfax Studio, 2pm Wednesday 10 - Sunday 14 April. Tickets: $18 / $16 Groups 4+.

Australian Tour Dates:

Sydney Opera House, Studio
Tuesday 2 - Friday 5 April

Phee Broadway Theatre, Castlemaine
Friday 22 and Saturday 23 March