By Grace Hatchell 2nd Act Couriers
Hello my lovely theatre wanderers — Grace here, sat on the edge of my satchel with a cup of something warming and a soft spot for stories that smell faintly of fields, ink, and remembered childhoods. And this one? Oh, this one’s got heart stitched right through it. Lark Rise to Candleford is heading our way in a beautifully crafted new stage adaptation, and it’s shaping up to be the kind of show that gently taps you on the shoulder and says, “Do you remember who you used to be?”
The Watermill Theatre and Theatre by the Lake have joined forces (with Hammerpuzzle Theatre Company very much in the mix) to bring us a brand-new version of Lark Rise to Candleford, written and composed by Tamsin Kennard and based on Flora Thompson’s much-loved book. It opens at the Watermill Theatre from Friday 6 February to Saturday 14 March, before packing up its memories and moving north to Theatre by the Lake from Thursday 26 March to Saturday 18 April.
At its heart, this is the story of Laura. Or rather, a memory of Laura. Raised in the slow, golden rhythms of Lark Rise — all brooks, fields and snug thatched cottages — she feels that familiar tug of wanting something more. When she finally makes the journey to Candleford, a whole new world opens up: faster, louder, full of possibilities and people who live to a different beat. It’s about leaving home, without ever quite letting it go. About growing, longing, and finding the courage to write your own next chapter.
This adaptation is threaded together with original music, performed by an ensemble cast, giving the story a folk-like, lived-in feel — the sort of storytelling that feels passed down rather than performed. Expect warmth, nostalgia, and a few quiet emotional ambushes along the way.
Leading the cast is Jessica Temple as Laura, with Rosalind Ford stepping into the formidable shoes of Dorcas Lane. Rosalind Steele plays Mother, Christopher Glover takes on both Father and Uncle John, Zrey Sholapurkar appears as Godfrey Parish, and Alex Wilson plays Edmund. Between them, they form a company of actor-musicians who’ll bring this world to life with care and craft.
Behind the scenes, the creative team is just as thoughtfully assembled. Direction comes from Bryn Holding, with set and costume design by Anna Kelsey, lighting by Jane Lalljee, sound design by Anna Short, and movement direction by Patsy Browne-Hope. It’s one of those productions where every department feels tuned to the same emotional frequency.
Director Bryn Holding describes the piece as an invitation to witness the key chapters of a life well lived — and honestly, that feels about right. This is theatre that doesn’t shout. It listens. It remembers. It holds your hand for a bit.
So if you’re craving a story rooted in place, memory, and the quiet bravery it takes to step beyond the edge of home, this one’s worth pencilling in. Grace-approved for anyone who’s ever felt torn between where they came from and where they’re going next.
And when the lights fade and the music settles? You might just find yourself walking home a little slower, thinking about the chapters you’ve written so far — and the ones still waiting.
Listings
Lark Rise to Candleford
Watermill Theatre, Bagnor, Newbury, Berkshire RG20 8AE
Friday 6 February – Saturday 14 March
Press night: Tuesday 10 February, 7pm
Box office: 01635 46044
watermill.org.uk
Age guidance: most suitable for ages 8+
Access performances:
Captioned, Audio Described and Touch Tour – Saturday 28 February, 2.30pm and Tuesday 10 March, 7.30pm
Lark Rise to Candleford
Theatre by the Lake, Lake Rd, Keswick, Cumbria CA12 5JD
Thursday 26 March – Saturday 18 April
Press night: Friday 27 March, 7.30pm
Box office: 017687 74411
theatrebythelake.com
Age guidance: most suitable for ages 8+
Access performances:
Captioned and BSL – Wednesday 8 April, 7.30pm
Audio Described – Saturday 11 April, 2pm
Relaxed Performance – Thursday 16 April, 11am
About the Author
