An Audio Drama celebrating the landscape, people and history of the South Downs.
In 2019, Lewes based playwright Sara Clifford was commissioned by INN CROWD and South Downs National Park Authority to create a new play exploring and celebrating the landscape, people and history of the South Downs. The play was performed in nine pubs and community venues and audiences loved humour, history and atmosphere, ‘‘Beautifully written with real resonances for the times we live in’.
During the last few months with restrictions on live performance, we have been looking at new and creative ways to stay connected with our audiences and communities, and to support artists to create work in new ways.
Cherry Soup has now been recorded as an audio drama, so many more people can enjoy this inspiring, moving and beautifully written show. Grab a cup of tea, settle into a comfy chair and listen to the whole show, or to the 5 short episodes – we hope you enjoy listening!
A Cherry-Seller sits by the side of the road. We’ve all seen them.
People stop, people buy cherries and people chat. They tell their stories: of ancient farms and modern fetes; of lost skills and identities; of overgrown orchards and the ghosts of the villages – and bring new stories, different ideas and different cultures.
Weaving the stories of the people Sara met during her research as the Inn Crowd Writer in Residence, with tales of the history and culture of the Downs, this one-person show, performed by Jo Neary, explores the changing landscapes and populations of the Park – as well as how the history of cherries is also the history of Southern England.
This is not about nostalgia – this is a Cherry Soup of a show: sweet and sour and a little unexpected…
‘Magical storytelling at its best’ Audience member 2019
‘Superb. Hilarious moments sprinkled with urgency and loss’ Audience member 2019
Cherry Soup was written by Sara Clifford, performed by Jo Neary and it was an Applause Rural Touring Production for Inn Crowd and South Downs National Park Authority.
Slindon Forge
The Hope Inn, Newhaven
The Plough and Harrow Litlington
Sara Clifford