Set in a small town in the West Country, Jam and Jerusalem tells the story of a village nurse forced to rethink her life when her husband dies suddenly. The title comes from the long-held view of the Women’s Institute, thanks to their knack of making preserves and belting out the old Blake-penned hymn whenever two or more are gathered. But there’s far more to it than tweed and tea cosies.
In Clatterford, where Jam and Jerusalem is set, the Women’s Guild is an organisation that Sal Vine does her best to steer well clear of. Not being one for making cakes or crocheting, Sal only discovers the benefits of the group after being widowed. Whereas once the group were an irritation, Sal soon finds that there’s a lot to be said for rolling up your sleeves and getting involved in the community. And there are lots of laughs to be had from it too, luckily.
Sal Vine is played by Sue Johnston, one of the nation’s most beloved comedy actresses since she first plonked down onto the sofa for a brew in front of the telly as the Queen of the Royle Family. Sue hasn’t always been playing for laughs though, and her dramatic background was equally useful when it came to playing the role of Sal.
Having made her name on Brookside, Sue’s become a regular face on TV dramas and even on the big screen. She was always set for showbiz, even before getting her acting break she was rubbing shoulders with the stars; working briefly for The Beatles manager Brian Epstein and dating the singer from 60s band The Swinging Blue Jeans. Finding that her talents were far more suited to being behind the camera than behind a desk at the tax office, Sue has never looked back going on to win critical acclaim, BAFTA nods and a Comedy Award.
Absolutely Fabulous cast
Sue Johnston is joined by an array of Britain’s best comedy stars, including Father Ted’s Pauline McLynn as Sal’s best friend Tip, Smack the Pony’s Sally Phillips, and Peep Show’s David Mitchell. But that’s not the half of it.
Not only is the series penned by Jennifer Saunders, it reunites her with her old partner in crime from the uber-successful, super-stylish, Absolutely Fabulous; Joanna Lumley. Also getting in on the action in Clatterford is Jen’s comedy partner since the 80s, Dawn French. See, this sense of community really is catching isn’t it?
Slice of rural life
Jennifer Saunders’ latest creation came about thanks to a change in her own circumstances, much like that of the leading lady in Jam and Jerusalem. Having moved to the country, Jennifer’s day to day existence couldn’t’ have been more different from that of the world of bubbly, Bubbles and fashion that she made her own in the 90s Ab Fab.
The gentler pace of life proved an inspiration to Jennifer. “I wrote it after my dad died, it's about someone left on their own and grieving. But I wanted to show life in the country isn't sinister, it can be totally real. I really feel in Devon it's not about who you know, it's about what you do.” With her old sparring partners on hand to ensure the audience is kept in stitches, Jennifer’s little slice of rural life was soon proving a huge hit with audiences, even making the leap across the Pond where it’s been rebadged as Clatterford. Well, Jelly and Jerusalem just doesn’t have the same ring, does it...?
And did those feet...
As if posing for a nudie calendar in recent years wasn’t enough to dispel the old image of the WI, the real-life counterparts of the Clatterford ladies were keen to pitch in and show that they were game for a laugh. Filmed on location in North Tawton, near the village that Jennifer Saunders now calls home, the members of the North Tawton WI found themselves acting as very convincing extras for the show.
The downside of Jam and Jerusalem being so funny is that the extras had a struggle to keep schtum, as Gill Cripps of the WI explains: “One of the biggest laughs was when we were in the church doing the funeral scene, and we were supposed to look very, very serious. Joanna Lumley was playing the organ very badly, and acting as she does was hilarious.” With even the WI laughing along, it’s clear that Jennifer’s Jam and Jerusalem is well worth donning your twin-set and pearls for.
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