Lemon Tree
Written by Jennifer Woodward
Synopsis
Claire and George. Daisy and Olly. Thirty years between them and a thousand broken connections.
Set across three decades, the play explores the intersections between these two couples, highlighting how personal histories and unresolved emotions echo across time.
Lemon Tree delves into how we define love and commitment, the nature of creation, and generational vulnerabilities in a layered narrative that invites us to reflect on the complexities of human relationships.
While unpacking heavy truths, eliciting tears, laughter and an urge for ice cream and drinks, Lemon Tree also examines what it means to be an artist today.
We are living in a time where theatres struggle but Maurizio Cattelan’s “Comedian” – his banana and duct tape – mocks the money and status-obsessed art world whilst simultaneously selling for $6.2 million.
Lemon Tree asks: what is the value of art to the individual and to society? How does social media impact art? And, while we’re thinking about it, what even is art? Where’s the line between function and art? And what on Earth dictates the worth of something… or someone?
And most importantly, above all else, who gets to make these decisions?
You’ll Want to See This…
The Stats…
Drug & Alcohol Addiction
• An estimated 600,000 people in England are dependent on alcohol, with only 18% receiving treatment.
• Approximately 2.6% of adults (862,000) in England and Wales are frequent drug users.
Bipolar Disorder & Depression
• Bipolar Disorder: Around 1.3 million people in the UK live with bipolar disorder, though many cases remain undiagnosed.
• Depression Treatment: One in six UK adults (approximately 8 million people) are treated for depression annually
Sex & Love Addiction
• In the UK, 2–4% of adults exhibit compulsive sexual behaviour, affecting approximately 2.5 million people.
• An estimated 5–10% of people struggle with love addiction, often linked to co-dependency and other behavioural issues.
Suicide
• Over 700,000 people die by suicide annually worldwide.
• Suicide remains a leading cause of death among those aged 15–29.
A Peek Behind the Curtain
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Script.
This is where the story truly lives.
Read the sample here and dive in.
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Pitch Deck.
Curious about the play?
Peek at the pitch deck and what came out of the reading!
“Lemon Tree is a refreshingly original play, full of wit, vibrant characters, and playful storytelling. It tackles serious issues like mental health, relationships, and addiction with humour, music, and a bold theatrical style. With multi-rolling actors, live music, and magical design, it’s an energetic, affecting story of love, flaws, and family.”
Tilly Vosburg, Director
“Jenn’s dialogue pings and zings off the page - nuanced, layered with character and plot. Infused with pathos and sharp comedy, this is a grown-up, intelligent play that digs deep beneath the surface of addiction, love, and societal myths. It’s dark, funny, and unflinchingly honest - about family, rebellion, and the things we do for love. You can’t teach dialogue like this - Jenn brings every subject vividly to life.”
Saffron Myers, Literary Advisor
The Creative Team
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING