Title: The Tree
Written / Devised By: Colin Bradie
Genre: Eco-Comedy
Length: 1 hour
First performed & at which venue: July 2004 @ the The Royal Lyceum, Edinburgh Cast Breakdown: Two versions of the script exist, one caters for a large cast of around 24, the other, a smaller cast of 16, but both versions are easily adaptable to a cast size bigger or smaller. As all characters remain on stage so it is unsuitable for doubling but most characters can be played by both males and females. Content only makes it suitable for older young people (14+). Synopsis: Written especially for Youth Theatre the play is set on the fictional 'West Island' and centres around the last tree. The inhabitants of the island need 'the tree' for their many different daily tasks (fire making, roof repairs, boat building, paper making etc.) each arguing that their need for 'the tree' is greater than that of their neighbour. Despite the intervention of environmentalists, religion and the government everybody's greed results in a spectacularly explosive ending. Despite the heavy topics the play has a bright and funny Pantomime style with lots of over the top characters and 'slapstick' action. The play has previously been performed by the Lyceum Youth Theatre, Perth Youth Theatre and Port Townsend High School in the USA.