Theatre: The Man Who Planted Trees at Manchester Royal Exchange

The Man Who Planted Trees is the stage adaptation of writer Jean Giono’s environmental cult classic short story, first published in 1953. The show comes to The Studio at Royal Exchange Theatre next week and tells the story of a French Shepherd and his dog who venture out to plant a forest to help transform a deserted wasteland. But as war increases throughout Europe their vulnerable new forest comes under threat. The award winning Puppet State Theatre Company have reinvented the story, injecting new life into the tale making it a multi sensory treat suitable for both adults and children. It mixes comedy, drama, and charming puppetry into an original storytelling experience that shows the commitment and perseverance of one man and his dog’s quest to help the earths atmosphere; really proving that man’s best friend is his dog. The show has continuously sold out the Edinburgh Fringe Festival over the years thanks to its popularity among families and its inspiring universal message.

Mon 19 Dec- Sat 31 Dec, Royal Exchange Theatre, St. Ann’s Square, Manchester M2 7DH, Tel: 0161 833 9833, times vary, from £12, www.royalexchange.co.uk