(2)
David Wood Plays 1
David Wood
The See-Saw Tree (Vocal Score)
by David Wood
Synopsis
The See-Saw Tree looks at an important environmental issue in an entertaining but thought-provoking way.
The See-Saw Tree, an ancient oak, stands on ground which is ear-marked for development into a children’s playground by Mr. Jay, owner of the nearby supermarket.
A public meeting is called in the village hall to discuss his proposals, which include cutting down the three-hundred-year-old oak.
The audience votes in favor, but Mr. Bunn, an environmental activist, protests and shows us the devastating effect such plans will have on the inhabitants of the tree – the main part of the play tells the story of these creatures (played by their human equivalents), their panic, their resilience and their evacuation from the tree.
In the end, the audience is asked to vote whether or not the See-Saw Tree should be saved.
Press Reviews
"The See-Saw Tree is a brilliantly inventive, often amusing and sometimes even harrowing work."
— Farnham Post
"The rapt silence of the audience was evidence of the impact the play made… provides an invaluable guideline to the young about the importance of the environment."
— The Stage
"The kids were riveted [and] the verdict afterwards was unanimous. Wonderful."
— The Guardian
"No-one knows more about the needs of children’s theatre than gifted playwright-composer David Wood."
— Evening Telegraph
"Wonderful for children and exciting theatre for the adults."
— Farnham Herald
Characters
| Character |
|---|
| Owl The leader of the oak community. |
| Mrs Dunnock Secretary of the Parish Council. Keeps a low profile. Efficient, helpful, knowledgeable but unshowy. |
| Dunnock A rather drab, hardworking bird, willing to perform menial tree tasks, cleaning, taking messages, etc.ACTOR 3: |
| Mr Storer Business-like, financially orientated Treasurer of the Parish Council. |
| Squirrel Home-loving, conservative, occasionally excitable member of the tree community.ACTOR 4: |
| Mr Jay Rather flashy supermarket owner, smarmy business man, ingratiating. |
| Jay A flash itinerant member of the tree community, popping in and out almost as a travelling salesman, on the lookout for a good opportunity.ACTOR 5: |
| Mrs Thrush A fairly outspoken woman who takes public service seriously and loudly espouses a cause. |
| Mistlethrush A strident member of the tree community, builder of untidy nests, not afraid to be outspoken.ACTOR 6: |
| Mrs Cook Not a local person, but not afraid to put her views. Might be regarded as somewhat common by the residents. |
| Cuckoo An itinerant visitor to the tree, a colourful character from Africa, whose sole motive for visiting is to dump her egg in some unsuspecting bird's nest.ACTOR 7: |
| Mr Bunn A concerned conservationist. Outspoken. |
| Rabbit A member of the animals' underground movement. Resistance leader. Practical.ACTOR 8: |
| Mr Batty Entrepreneur, whizz-kid smooth operator. |
| Bat Hi-tech way-out member of the tree community. His radar comes in useful. He has big headphones connected to a “Walkman” style radio. |
| Mrs Wise The Chairperson of the Parish Council. Solid, fair and authoritative. |
Videos
David Wood on Challenges In His Plays
Publication
The See-Saw Tree (Vocal Score) is a play written by David Wood and published by Samuel French .
Community Reviews
No community reviews yet
Similar Plays
Plays with similar themes, style, and content.
More from David Wood
More plays from David Wood that we think you'll enjoy.
