The 78-Storey Treehouse

The 78-Storey Treehouse is a show that definitely appeals to the kids. My eight year old loved it and found it very entertaining and incredibly funny.

I must admit, I went into this one cold. I know my daughter loves reading the books and that they are popular with kids around 8-12, but I didn’t know much about the series or what the books are about (other than a treehouse that keeps growing). Luckily, my daughter gave me a crash course on the way to the city! In doing my own research, I discovered the ‘Treehouse’ series has sold over three million copies in Australia alone. The 78-Storey Treehouse which is the sixth book, was released last year and is the number one fastest selling Australian book of all time. So I guess you could say the books are huge!

For my daughter, the show brought the books to life. The hour flew by quickly and she was engaged and giggling the whole time. She was disappointed that the performance didn’t go for longer. With no real context, I found the story to be very random, quite wacky and silly, yet imaginative, but it seems that is the whole idea and what the kids love about it. I did hear a few adults chuckling away so some obviously found it humourous.

If you are like me and are a bit in the dark, the books use a combination of text and cartoon style illustrations to tell the adventures of Andy and Terry. From what I can tell the show followed most of the book with the characters adding 13 new levels to the house including a combining machine, scribbletorium, Andyland and a high security potato chip storage facility. A Hollywood Director, Mr Big Shot, also wants to make the Treehouse into a movie, however when he fires Andy and replaces him with a gibbon (monkey) named Mel Gibbon (I did laugh at the Mel Gibson reference!), tensions start to rise and friendships are tested.

The actors brought a great energy to the stage which enthralled the kids and the show even incorporated some singing which was an unexpected surprise but a nice touch. I was expecting to see the set made up of some kind of elaborate treehouse, which was not the case, but it was great to see the drawings from the book incorporated beautifully.

My daughter liked Andyland the best and I also thought this was clever with the way the other actors became Andy clones, speaking and moving like Andy. The battle scene in space was also very effective.

It was interesting to get my daughter’s thoughts about whether the books should all be turned into plays or not (some of the other books in the series have also been adapted for stage). Her verdict was yes and she can’t wait to see more!

A good one to see if you are looking for something to occupy the kids in the school holidays!

Shannon O’Connell

Photographer: Anna Kucera