Sydney Reviews

Left – Luke Carson, Freya Pragt and John Shearman. Photo – Sasha Bradbury

The 26-Storey Treehouse is based on the books written by Andy Griffiths and has been adapted for the stage by Richard Tulloch. Both these authors are highly regarded and their combined efforts make for lively and wonderfully entertaining theatre. The show follows Terry, Andy, Jill and some rather dubious characters as they overcome some outrageous obstacles to tell you some wonderful stories and to make sure that the production itself does not go down the gurgler.

John Shearman (Terry), Luke Carson (Andy), Freya Pragt (Jill) and James Lee (Captain Wooden Head) star in this engaging tale. Independently they each have a strong stage presence that brings their characters to life but what is more impressive is their combined charisma. They keep each other energised and work seamlessly to make open shark surgery look a breeze and swashbuckling an art form. The performances in this play were demanding as there was plenty of leaping about, rolling around and general hijinks that goes with the fast paced world within the tree house. The actors never showed signs of slowing down and their high energy had the audience enthralled. Both parents and children alike were swept up in the story as the characters spun the tale of the 52-Storey Treehouse. 

The sound design was an integral part of the production and almost felt like a fifth character. Ross Johnston’s perfectly timed sound effects brought a wonderful element of fun to the show. The audience engaged their imaginations creating their own worlds that corresponded with things as the splashed, crashed and boomed offstage. 

There was a delight in the show that came from all the planets aligning. The actors performed with unfailing vitality, the set was utilised to its full potential, the props were practical as well as funny and the sound and lighting brought it all together. Well timed fart jokes, sharks that eat dirty underpants and cheese smelling of fish could easily fall into crass humour but under this masterful team they make for a raucous good time. Children will love it and adults will find themselves remembering why fart jokes were funny in the first place.


CDP Theatre Producers present
THE 26-STOREY TREEHOUSE
by Richard Tulloch | adapted from the book by Andy Griffiths & Terry Denton

Director Liesel Badorrek

Venue: Riverside Theatres
Dates: 18 – 19 August 2015
Bookings: www.riversideparramatta.com.au | 02 8839 3399