Lark Rise to Candleford is a joyous actor-musician production at Theatre by the Lake, that transports the audience back to the late 19th century and the English countryside way of life.
Based on the semi-autobiographical trilogy by Flora Thompson, this adaptation has been written by Tamsin Kennard and is a warm, nostalgic production.
This is the story of a woman, Laura, looking back over her life. Starting in the hamlet of Lark Rise, where she lived a simple life, but where she felt she didn’t quite fit in, she then moved to the bright lights of the nearby town of Candleford.
Laura, played by Jessica Temple, travels the timeline of her life, and she rises to the part which demands her to be on stage throughout the whole production. Temple gives a natural and engaging performance. This is a joyful play, with music, dance and wise words.
I was mesmerised from the start by the cello player’s style of holding the instrument that allowed her to dance and move around the stage with her fellow actor musicians. Cellist Rosalind Ford plays Lorca Lane, a wonderful, strong female role that brings more humour to the production. Lorca Lane is the woman who changes Laura’s life, inviting her to Candleford to take up the position of Assistant Postmistress. Ford is also the Onstage Musical Director, and this tight-knit band of musicians provide the perfect soundscape for the story. The opening scene highlights the high standard of musical talent in this cast – their voices create a perfect harmony that creates the setting for this tender story of a life lived well
Rosalind Steele as Laura’s Mother gives an excellent performance as the tough, no-nonsense matriarch who loves her children, yet doesn’t want to spoil them by telling them. Laura feels she can never please her, but as life moves on, she grows to see her mother in another light. Zrey Sholapurkar brings Laura’s simple, happy brother to life. He is equally charming as Godfrey Parish, Laura’s first brush with romance.
Christopher Glover plays both Laura’s father and her Uncle John – two men so alike they can’t help but disagree. Glover brings the warmth of a loving Father and Uncle. He also shines the light on the sadness of depression that haunts the Father.
The scene in the village National School is charming and funny. And the sing-along in the local inn creates a beautiful, warm community atmosphere within the theatre.
When Laura moves to Candleford, the scenes in the post office are witty and charming.
Director Bryn Holding has brought together this excellent, multi-talented cast together and created a production that carries the audience along in a haze of nostalgia that warms the heart of those watching.
Tasmin Kennard, the writer, composer and musical director, has created the mood of the time and places Laura takes us.
This is a gentle escape to a time when life was more in tune with nature and lived at a slower pace, yet change is always and has been on the horizon.
Lark Rise to Candleford is a Theatre by the Lake and Watermill Theatre co-production, in association with Hammerpuzzle Theatre Company.
Reviewer: Karen Morley-Chesworth
Reviewed: 28th March 2026
North West End UK Rating