Big Cranberry • Jack Studio Theatre

Big Cranberry

by Joe Edgar

presented by Sosij Productions

“I just think there’s doing things and doing things. And if you’re locked in a sewer and it’s flooding and you’re putting on perfume, you’re doing the wrong things.”

A Boston newsroom, late at night. Journalist Marianne is fine-tuning her latest article — a hit piece on the Massachusetts cranberry industry. But between interruptions from her colleagues and edits from her boss, a murkier, private picture begins to emerge of her time researching in the bogs…

Big Cranberry is a witty and fast-moving story of personal crisis, set in the precarious world of climate journalism.

At what point does reporting stop being enough? Where do you find hope in a career built on dread? And just how big is this cranberry exactly?

Sosij Productions is the award-nominated company behind The Incredibly Scary Object, which premiered at the Jack last year. We are an energetic new theatre company, founded on a shared desire to make the kind of show you’d want to watch twice.

Whilst we believe that it’s theatre’s responsibility to present informed discussion about the world we live in, we reckon it never hurts to imagine a slightly more exciting, slightly kinder, and slightly wittier world too. If you leave thinking you might have seen some actual people actually talking to each other about actual things — that have actually, at least once a page or so, made you chuckle — then we’ve done our job.

Press for this production

‘enough tart wit and emotional punch to keep an audience gripped to their seats... this is a slick, well-written, well-directed play with strong performances from all four cast members and good staging; Gabriel Finn’s lighting is subtle but effective… it may offer some desperately needed catharsis and hope for those disheartened by the lack of progress in combating the climate crisis – and its humour and dramatic flair are more than just a garnish.’ ★★★★ Spy in the Stalls
‘Commenting on prominent contemporary issues, the cunningly crafted script is detailed, complex and layered to explore environmental issues in a sophisticated, ingenious manner. Comments on the climate change crisis are explored sensitively through the emotional impact on Marianne – an environmental journalist- whose anxiety and dread are palpable; the build-up of emotion throughout is thoughtfully developed.
With captivating storytelling and intricate characters, Big Cranberry is a distinct new play discussing increasingly prevalent topics and concerns with atmospheric design choices and fascinating character dynamics – a memorable, insightful evening.’ ★★★★ Reviewsgate
‘The writing is clever and intense, and Molly Hanly’s climate-anxious Marianne is convincing and emotionally invested. Highly recommended.’ British Theatre Guide
‘Juliet Welch is wonderful as Gloria, calm, quiet but steely in her convictions. Xavier Starr and Sydney Crocker also shine in their roles, both with great comic timing. Joe Edgar writes with a sharp passion … allowing the conflict between debate and direct action to be explored in an entertaining, engaging and thought-provoking production.’ Fairy Powered Productions
‘There is great ambition here – it’s a big tale with big themes and ideas… Edgar strikes the right balance between emotion, fact and humour. ’ London Pub Theatres
‘Marianne is played entrancingly by Molly Hanly with stages of indignation, neurosis and pitiful hopelessness. Her verbal dexterity with the script is admirable.’ Plays to See
Received OFF WEST END ASSESSOR COMMENDATION.