The Tree Whisperer – Botanic Gardens – Review
by Brian Merriman

A most unusual treasure hunt through Dublin’s magnificent Botanic Gardens! | MEETING POINT: Inside the front Entrance of the Gardens
By Bewley’s Cafe Theatre

June 14th – 17th & 21st – 24th, 2023
Playing Wednesday to Saturday at 1pm and 3pm

Duration 55 minutes

Glorious weather is often the death knell of indoor pursuits like theatre. Instead of praying for rain, why not follow Bewleys Cafe Theatre’s example and head into the great outdoors, in the beautiful Botanical Gardens, Glasnevin. This show can be combined with a visit to the splendid planting and facilities. Pop next door to the historic Glasnevin Cemetary and have lunch/coffee before or after the show. There is even some free parking!

A more mature audience gathered in blissful sunshine at the main audience in the Gardens for an informal welcome and soon we encountered our Tree Whisperer/ Druid (a commanding and empathetic Gene Rooney) waiting for a late customer, Joe Smith (an impatient and pressurised Pat Ryan).

We find ourselves enrolled as trainee tree bonders and set out on a journey through the gardens, meeting and connecting with some of their gracious trees as a plot unfolds. Joe snaps we ‘are in a little pantomime’ and truthfully, writer and director Matthew Ralli has written one – a clever one.

Almost an hour later, we have learned a lot, seen and understood things in the gardens we might have missed as Ralli is a horticulturalists. We learned a bit about ancient customs and practice and of course had a healthy dose of historical mystery in the entertaining hands of Joe who in desperation, needs Flaxon’s help to solve a riddle to locate a missing family ‘heirloom’.

Ralli as a director is spoiled for choice in his settings, with a finale in a spectacular shadow-tackled Oak copse. Prepare for the unexpected as there is relaxed audience participation and occasionally a special guest appearance – today in the form of a grey squirrel who popped by looking for treats and a robin who landed at our feet.

We also meet the supporting cast including Miss Kova, Peter, Nigel, Stan and my favourite Carlos, all of whom towered above us. The adult audience had a ball, were entertained, laughed, gulped and learned something in good spirits. Teenagers and children would also love this show, with the few harmless expletives tempered for the age range. It is a great idea, beautifully delivered and a lovely way to spend an afternoon of magic and nature in one of the city’s best-loved treasures.

‘The Tree Whisperer’ reminds us of the song…”If you go down to the woods today, you’re sure of a big surprise”, and what a lovely surprise this matinee show is. Bring sunblock, walking shoes, water and a hat if the weather stays like it was on opening day! Truthfully this should be part of the staple diet in the Spectacular Gardens’ summer programme.

Written and directed by Matthew Ralli
Starring Gene Rooney as Flaxin and Pat Ryan as The Client
Costume design is by Roisín Ní Ghabhann
Creative Producer for WALKABOUT is Colm Maher
Produced by Bewleys Café Theatre.