Left – Teale Howie, Samuel Welsh and Freya Pragt. Cover – Tim Carroll and Freya Pragt. Photos – Heidrun Lohr
In an age where our heads and screens are slowly morphing into one anthro-tech unit, role models for kids who encourage writing stories, reading and drawing are desperately in need.
Luckily the enthusiasm for and adoration of Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton does not look like it’s waning, as scores of children clutching their Treehouse books at the Arts Centre last week can attest.
The latest stage adaptation of their book series, The 78-Storey Treehouse, is as colourful and whacky as it should be, bursting with crazy dancing, spy cows, poo flinging, turbo turtles, catapulting cats, electric underpants, and about as many bottom jokes as you can squeeze into one hour.
How could any child not love a utopian multi-level dream home where scribbling on the walls and a high security potato chip storage facility are de rigeur?
All the small cast are fantastic with their big bright eyes and bouncing energy, but particular mention goes to Freya Pragt who’s elasticated expressions and charisma made the production buzz.
For parents or carers of children who are fans of the book series, or those who want to get them into reading, a ticket to The 78-Storey Treehouse is money well spent.
Arts Centre Melbourne presents a CDP Kids Production
The 78-Storey Treehouse
A play by Richard Tulloch, adapted from the book by Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton
Director Liesel Badorrek
Venue: Playhouse | Arts Centre Melbourne
Dates: 4 – 22 April 2018
Bookings: artscentremelbourne.com.au | 1300 182 183
