91-Storey Treehouse cast eager to stretch their limbs after isolation in Adelaide

Two weeks of self-isolation at an Adelaide Airbnb has been a different kind of bonding adventure for the cast of stage show The 91-Storey Treehouse.

The 91-Storey Treehouse cast members Sam Welsh, Rebecca Rolle and Teale Howie at the front door of house at Tennyson where they have been in isolation for two weeks. Picture: Matt Turner

It’s not quite as exciting as the ever-expanding residence in their show, but cast members of The 91-Storey Treehouse have learnt to entertain themselves in self-isolation before their Adelaide season.

The trio of Sydney actors and two technical staff have been sharing an Airbnb house at Tennyson for the past two weeks, the first touring company to do so since Adelaide stages reopened.

“I feel like we’ve explored every corner of this house that we’re in,” said actor Teale Howie.

“It’s kind of similar (to the show) in the way that we keep finding new places to sit and chat and hang out.”

The 91-Storey Treehouse cast members Sam Welsh, Rebecca Rolle and Teale Howie at the front door of house at Tennyson where they have been in isolation for two weeks.

Ironically, border restrictions with NSW have been lifted as the cast and crew completes its isolation period – meaning they could have just flown to Adelaide this weekend.

Fortunately, they didn’t have to share their isolation with all the show’s puppets and props, which have been in Perth where a new, second cast has been rehearsing for that leg of the national tour.

“We’ve definitely created our own little world in here,” said fellow cast member Rebecca Rolle.

“There’s lots of silliness going on inside the house – it’s a bit like our own, real-life treehouse adventure. We have actually begun the routine of team yoga … which gets us all up and out of bed.”

The latest in a series of plays based on the books by Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton, this version of the treehouse includes a desert island, a whirlpool and a giant spider.

The third actor in the house, Sam Welsh, said he had definitely missed being able to go outside for a walk but enjoyed the company of his colleagues.

“It’s a bit of a bonding experience. The way the treehouse goes is that we’re all in it together – that’s the mentality of the show.”

The 91-Storey Treehouse was originally scheduled to be at the Playhouse in July but has now been moved to the larger Festival Theatre from September 28 to October 2, to allow for COVID-safe seat spacing.

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