In this new drama by Sarah Woods the story of the first half of the twentieth century, the modern age, is told through the lens of the food grown, purchased, cooked and served by Alice B Toklas for her partner Gertrude Stein and their eclectic and talented guests.

First published in 1954 and one of the bestselling cookbooks of all time, a "mingling of recipes and reminiscence", we follow this couple as they eat their way around France and America, being painted by Picasso and written about by Hemingway.

In human terms, this is a story about Gertrude's determination and desire for success and it explores the lives of two women whose lives challenged so many norms - yet who knew that, in France, a potato salad must always be served surrounded by chicory.

Episode 5: Alice's Cookies
In which Gertrude and Alice set off on their travels, meeting up with their friend Lily de Gramont and attempting to persuade a tenant to vacate their dream house. As our travels and reflections with Alice and Gertrude draw to a close, Alice reflects that 'To cook as the French do, one must respect the quality and flavor of the ingredients. Exaggeration is not admissible. Flavours are not amalgamative. These qualities are not purchasable, but they may be cultivated.'

CAST:
ALICE ..... Deborah Findlay
GERTRUDE STEIN ..... Sharon D Clarke
LILY DE GRAMONT ..... Nimmy March

Writer: Sarah Woods
Producer/Director: Celia de Wolff
Sound Engineer: David Thomas
Production Co-ordinator: Sarah Tombling

A Pier production for BBC Radio 4 Show less