As we gear up for our Forgotten Orchard tour this autumn 2024, we’re excited to take you behind the scenes to explore the inspiration behind the production and introduce the talented team bringing it to life. In our new blog series, we’ll be shining a spotlight on the people making the magic happen, starting with an interview with Eco Drama’s Director and Devisor of The Forgotten Orchard, Emily Reid.
Question 1: What inspired you to devise The Forgotten Orchard, and how did you approach blending environmental themes with storytelling?
We wanted to create a show for children and family audiences that blended great storytelling and relatable characters, with the fascinating world of apples. I’d watched a BBC programme ‘Apples: British to the Core’ by Horticulturalist Chris Beardshaw, which revealed the ‘golden age’ of apples, when the passion and dedication of Victorian gardeners gave us more varieties than anywhere else in the world. I was blown away to learn about the sheer number of varieties, their fantastic characterful names, and the different tastes that we once had access to. It felt a stark contrast to our modern-day supermarkets that sell only a handful of types, often flown in from far off countries.
I was reminded of my own childhood, and experience of living with my grandparents who kept apple and pear trees, and how their year operated around the care and harvest of the garden, and their appreciation of seasonality. I wanted to convey a sense that our grandparents generation hold so much knowledge and understanding of home-grown food, and that reconnecting with low carbon actions like this not only improves food sustainability, but opens a whole new world of taste. The show itself doesn’t mention climate change or ‘food miles’ overtly, and instead focuses on the story and the intergenerational relationship between Katy and her Grandad, which blossoms as his orchard world is explored. By focusing on the characters, taste, and a sense of wonder and joy, we ultimately set out to create a high-quality theatre experience that provides an accessible way for children to connect to the natural world and the food we eat, perhaps inspiring the next generation of food growers along the way!
Question 2: If you could invite any famous celebrity or historical figure or role model to watch The Forgotten Orchard, who would it be and why?
I’d invite David Attenborough! It would be wonderful to meet him and to show how our small theatre company is supporting nature connection with children and young people across Scotland. I’d love to share with him how we link up the arts experience with practical action for the environment. For example, through The Forgotten Orchard project, to date Eco Drama have supported 43 schools and communities across Greater Glasgow to plant orchards, with many now producing a bounty of heritage Scottish varieties, ensuring they aren’t ‘forgotten’. This is contributing to the growing orchard revival movement in Scotland and across the UK, and I guess I’d love for him to witness that and know how much he has inspired me as a naturalist.
Question 3: Any memorable or favourite moments during rehearsals?
It’s been brilliant working in rehearsals with our long-term collaborator Caroline Mathison, who co-devised the show with myself and Stewart Ennis. Caroline’s performance as Katy makes me laugh and cry in equal measure, and she brings so much heart, joy and emotion to the role. We’re re-joined in 2024 by actor and musician Allan Dunn, who performed the role of Grandad previously. Allan makes us laugh a lot in rehearsals and I love his playful performance style and how he makes fantastic connections with the audience. It’s also been brilliant working with composer and musician Alan Penman, who has added some beautiful underscore to the existing production. I’ve loved seeing how his sound design enhances the live music and storytelling.
Question 4: What do you think people will like most about The Forgotten Orchard?
The supporting cast of apples, beautifully crafted by set designer Claire Halleran, the gory Ballad of the Bloody Ploughman, the actors’ performances, and tasting some heritage apples!
