Absorbing drama inspired by South Downs hits the airwaves
August 13, 2020
An audio drama recounting the heritage and unique stories of the South Downs is hitting the airwaves and will be available to download.
It comes after an inspiring project last year in which 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. Sara spoke to over 500 people across the Downs – from museum volunteers, school children and pub goers, to people at family creative workshops, walking groups and village fetes, and weaved the stories she gathered into a one person show, Cherry Soup. The play was performed in nine pubs and community venues and audiences loved the humour, history and atmosphere. ‘‘Beautifully written with real resonances for the times we live in” was one of the glowing testimonials.
Cherry Soup was performed by Jo Neary and was an Applause Rural Touring Production.
In response to the coronavirus pandemic and restrictions on live performance, Applause Rural Touring has been looking at new and creative ways to stay connected with audiences and communities, and to support artists to create work in new ways.
Applause has now worked in partnership with the South Downs National Park Authority to record Cherry Soup as an audio drama, so many more people can enjoy this inspiring, moving and beautifully-written show.
The show has been adapted and serialised into five episodes. All will be available to download from the Applause website from 19 August and will also be broadcast weekly on Kathy Caton’s BBC Radio Sussex show on 13, 20 and 27 August.
Sara Clifford said: “I am very excited to be able to take Cherry Soup to a wider audience across the South East: moving the play into a digital/audio format means many more people will be able to experience it, despite the current situation. I hope people enjoy listening!”
Anooshka Rawden, Cultural Heritage Lead for the South Downs National Park, said: “The impact of Covid-19 continues to hit live theatre and performance hard, and we were keen to support independent artists during this time to explore alternative ways to continue connecting audiences with creative content.”
The tracks will be available to download here and from the Applause website from 19 August.