About Cherries

The Legacy Behind Cherries

A major part of that journey was made possible through an inheritance from Elizabeth “Betsy” Parrish, the acclaimed American actress, singer and acting teacher.

Betsy taught at both the Stella Adler Studio of Acting and the Yale School of Drama, where her students included Meryl Streep, who later spoke warmly of Betsy’s nurturing and influential approach to teaching.

Her legacy ultimately helped make possible another creative endeavour thousands of miles away.

Through that support, Life Is Just a Bowl of Cherries was able to grow from a modest original concept into a fully realised six-part production — bringing together performers, filmmakers, musicians and volunteers to create something on a scale far beyond its beginnings.

It feels especially fitting that a legacy rooted in performance, teaching and the encouragement of artists has helped enable a new generation of creatives to come together and make something of their own.

Over six months, the lives of three seemingly ordinary couples become increasingly entangled. Beneath the misunderstandings and laughter lie dark secrets, deception and even murder. Told through a naturalistic lens, the series follows them as they discover who — if anyone — they can really trust.

• Episode 1 - I need a stiff one!

• Episode 2 - Who's Angela?

• Episode 3 - Give me that pussy now!

• Episode 4 - The DNA doesn't lie!

• Episode 5 - Who is that woman in the bed?

• Episode 6 - Here comes the bride...

From Radio Play to Screen

Life Is Just a Bowl of Cherries began life as a 40-page radio play written by Pauline Warren. What started as a single story gradually grew into something much more ambitious: a six-part British comedy-drama brought to the screen with the help of Colchester Film Makers and a cast and crew of more than 70 volunteers.

Working alongside Pauline, producer and Colchester Film Makers chairperson Leigh Martyn Thomas helped develop the original concept into a full six-episode screen series, expanding both the characters and the story while building a production team around it.

Bringing the series to life meant building production around the commitments of our volunteer cast, crew and production team. Our budget covered locations, catering, costumes, props, insurance, media and music production, and travel expenses where appropriate. The project's reach extended far beyond Colchester, with cast travelling from across East Anglia, London, Oxfordshire and Cambridgeshire to take part.

We are immensely proud of the team that came together to create an original six-part series from scratch. What once seemed almost impossibly ambitious has become a reality, thanks to the generosity, commitment and creativity of everyone involved.

Along the way we have made friendships, shared plenty of laughter and created memories that will last a lifetime. None of it would have been possible without the extraordinary contribution of Colchester Film Makers and the many volunteers who gave their time, skills and enthusiasm to the production.