Trees, Bees and Me, written and directed by Catriona Tipene with co-writer Ryan Cundy, is an evocative and heartwarming production that delves into themes of family, loss, play and nature. Currently showing at Circa Theatre, the play follows the journey of Mimi as her family navigates the complexities of grief, offering a story that is as touching as it is imaginative.

At the centre of the play is Mimi, portrayed with sincerity and charm by Salomé Neely. Neely’s performance beautifully captures Mimi’s emotional vulnerability and curiosity, as the character grapples with the loss of a loved one. Their portrayal allows the audience to experience the world through Mimi’s eyes, where moments of reflection and joy coexist, making Mimi’s journey deeply relatable and poignant.

The ensemble cast is outstanding, with Tadhg Mackay as Poppa, Catriona Tipene as Nan, Ryan Cundy as Dad and Gabby Clark as Trey. Each actor brings authenticity to their role, contributing to the emotional realism of the family’s experience. The warmth and love shared between the characters anchor the play’s magical elements in a relatable, human experience.

One of the production’s most striking features is its set, designed by James Searle and Brendan West and costumes by Victoria Gridley. The set feels like a nostalgic ode to a New Zealand backyard, evoking childhood memories with its playful simplicity. This grounding in a familiar setting helps to root the play’s realism, allowing the magical aspects of Mimi’s journey to float gently above it, creating a beautiful juxtaposition between the real and the imagined.

Horse with No Name once again take the crown for the best cast in Wellington, from fuzzy, Rubenesque Bumblebee to dapper, tudor-esque Tui. Victoria Gridley’s costumes complement the play’s themes of nature and family, with a mixture of everyday and fantastical designs that enhance the characters without overpowering them.

The lighting design by David Conroy and sound design by Isabel Pecora, along with the music composed by Ben Kelly, work harmoniously to heighten the emotional landscape of the play. Conroy’s lighting shifts from soft and warm to ethereal, reflecting the emotional beats of the story, while Pecora’s soundscapes and Kelly’s compositions provide an evocative backdrop that further enriches the narrative.

As the director, Catriona Tipene has masterfully woven together the play’s themes of loss, healing, and connection to nature. Her direction strikes a perfect balance between the play’s lighter moments and its more reflective ones, ensuring the emotional journey is accessible to both children and adults. Tipene allows space for the audience to connect with the characters’ grief while also finding joy and hope in the simplicity of nature and family.

I have a slight concern around the safety of characters playing with AND being inside plastic bin bags (made of fabric in the show, reminiscent of WCC rubbish bags) but I saw Arnold Schwarzeneggertake his eye out with a spoon in The Terminator when I was seven and I’ve still got both of mine (for now).

Trees, Bees and Me is a heartfelt exploration of how families move through loss, offering a gentle reminder of the resilience found in love and nature. With its strong performances, stunning set design and Tipene’s sensitive direction, this production is an uplifting and deeply moving experience.

Running at Circa Theatre until October 12th, Trees, Bees and Me is a must-see for families and those seeking a story filled with heart and hope. Don’t miss this beautifully crafted production.

Luna Rama (aged 8)

Trees, Bees and Me is a really funny show and you should watch it. It has a lot of acting and it’s a really cool show. I liked everything about it and I loved all of the characters too. I liked the story a lot. It was about a girl and she wants to play this game but her brother is not doing it right. Her brother wants to be a good guy and not a bad guy. She gets really grumpy with him. It’s also about the girl coming to be really brave and strong and it’s also about the litterbug who puts litter everywhere.

My favourite moment was when the Tui (Gabby Clark, Ryan Cundy, Tadhg Mackay) were singing and when Trey (Gabby Clark) comes up with an animal with the wings of a bird and the feet of a snake. Hahaha, “feet of a snake”, haha!

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