Lark Rise to Candleford
It has felt like its been raining for ages, and last night, the roads were wet, and the river approaching the beautiful Watermill Theatre was extremely high, but upon entering the theatre I was instantly transported back to the warm glow of the 19th Century North Oxfordshire countryside. Upon entering the theatre we were bathed in beautiful sunlight and could hear both bird song but also some gorgeous original folk music.
We were introduced to Laura, and her brother Edmund and their family and the inhabitants of the small rural hamlet of Lark Rise. And then later to the delights of Candleford.
This was another of The Watermill’s small cast actor-musician productions, produced in conjunction with Hammerpuzzle Theatre Company. And as ever, they have produced a stunningly good show. The cast of six, aside from Jessica Temple’s Laura, all take on a multitude of roles, all completely effectively.
But it is Laura’s tale, left, right and centre. We watch her, played by Jessica Temple, as a young, playful girl, frightened of the cows in the meadow, and obsessed and easily distracted by wildflowers. We watch her developing joy at trying to teach herself to read, and developing a love for poetry and Walter Scott. And then we follow her, starting at school with her brother Edmond, and developing into womanhood and starting her apprenticeship for Dorcas in Candleford at the Post Office. It is a gentle telling of Laura’s story, but it is full of comedy, character and warmth, and it is infectious. Jessica Temple is so expressive. I found myself with an almost permanent smile on my face!
Director Bryn Holding has assembled a very tight ensemble of actor musicians, many of whom switch from playing children one minute, to a village character the next.
Christopher Glover moves from stern father one minute to kindly uncle the next; Alex Wilson well matches Laura as her brother Edmund, but also contrasts in his other roles; onstage musical director Rosalind Ford, plays the confident Dorcas Lane, the village postmistress who sees in Laura huge promise and brings her onboard as her protege. But in truth the entire cast are excellent.
Playwright and composer Tamsin Kennard’s script is funny and charming in equal measure. It’s faithful to Flora Thompson’s autobiographical tales. But a modern audience will gain so much from this adaptation.
The set design is also really good. This tiny stage moves from the fields of Lark Rise, effortlessly into the village school and then to the post office and local hostelry. There is no doubt that the post office is the most effective. It’s a beautifully dressed set, with some lovely touches. Some of the direction is almost choreographed, particularly Dorcas teaching Laura about the world of her post office.
I can highly recommend this production. As Laura herself says, “Put your foot in the water” and get yourself down to the Watermill to catch this charming tale of simpler times. It really is a beautifully staged and constructed show. Put a smile on your faces!
This show was reviewed at the Watermill Theatre, Berkshire on the 10th February 2026 where it runs until the 14th March 2026. Tickets available here: Lark Rise to Candleford | Watermill Theatre
Review written by Ruth Hawkins
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Photo credit: Pamela Raith
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