Benjamin Millar
An inner-west comedy web series tracing the rollercoaster ride of early parenthood is returning for a second season.
‘Sonia & Cherry’, written, directed by and co-starring Yarraville actor Victoria Thaine and produced by Footscray’s Naomi Mulholland, consists of six 7–8 minute episodes in which best friends Cherry and Sonia continue to navigate their different approaches to parenting.
The second series was originally slated to film last year, but was delayed by the arrival of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Shooting was just able to squeeze in earlier this year before the latest lengthy lockdown.
Thaine said they tossed up whether to write the pandemic into the storyline, but swiftly rejected the idea.
“We very quickly decided that we wouldn’t for a couple of reasons – the pandemic has been changing so quickly you risk it dating really quickly, but also we all want a bit of escapism and some covid-free zones in our life.”
Mulholland said she expects that even if it’s not explicitly worked into storylines, the impact of the pandemic is likely to work its way into future creative works.
“Perhaps we might see in a year or two something more subtle being woven into our stories, perhaps taking into account shifts in social norms or impacts on mental health and things we’re not aware of right now.”
What the pandemic has brought home though, according to Thaine, is the importance of art and entertainment in people’s lives.
“Certainly covid has shown us that music, film and television is what helps get us through,” Thaine said.
The second series of Sonia & Cherry builds upon the issues explored in the first and the longer episode length allows them to introduce some new characters.
The inner-west also features prominently, including a ‘fantasy birth sequence’ shot at Hopheads in Yarraville.
Thaine said the clashes in parenting styles between the two friends are where the comedy arises.
“They are very different characters with very different approaches, but that friendship will continue no matter what happens.”
Watch Sonia & Cherry now via youtube.com/soniaandcherrytv
