Chilterns Theatre: Sour Cherry Soup (Donkey Lane Orchard)

‘Sour Cherry Soup’, a new 45 minute one woman show tells the story of the changing landscapes and populations of the Chilterns, as well as how the history of cherries is also the history of Southern England, reflecting the richness of the landscape, past, present and future.

The stunning chalk landscape of the Chilterns is crisscrossed by historic pathways, hillforts and burial mounds, full of ancient woodland, hedgerows and chalk streams, with traces of human occupation going back at least 5000 years  – plus the cherry orchards, cultivated by generations of farmers plying the land, a bygone culture literally beneath our feet in the local towns and villages.

But it’s also a contemporary landscape, a thriving environment that supports busy town populations and diverse communities, as well as glorious walks across the hills and a fragile ecosystem of protected plants and animals.

Sour Cherry Soup, written by playwright Sara Clifford for the Chalk, Cherries and Chairs Landscape Partnership Scheme, has been inspired by real stories of Chilterns people, gathered by Sara at creative workshops and discussions with community groups across the Chilterns. We’re thrilled to be bringing this brand new play to a range of outdoor venues in the Chilterns this summer – join us to dive into the Chilterns in a way you may not have experienced before!

Timings:

• Doors open: 6:30pm – take some time to explore the orchard and read about the community group’s work
• Performance starts: 7pm
• Performance ends: 7:45pm
• Event closes: 8pm

Please be aware there are no facilities at this site i.e. no toilets. Please also bring your own chairs and picnic blankets for the performance.