Review: LARK RISE TO CANDLEFORD, Watermill Theatre
Photo credit: Pamela Raith
The novel Lark Rise to Candleford is actually a trilogy of stories, published as one tome. ‘Lark Rise’, ‘Over to Candleford’ and ‘Candleford Green’ are semi autobiographical tales by Flora Thompson, based on her life in the English countryside from the 1880s through to the early 1900s. Paul Hart, Joint CEO and Artistic Director of The Watermill, describes it as “THE quintessential rural story” making it the perfect choice of play for The Watermill’s unspoiled country setting.
For this new co-production, the team at The Watermill have partnered with Theatre by the Lake and Hammerpuzzle Theatre Company, and the result is a charming piece of theatre which bears all of the hallmarks of a Watermill production. A beautiful, intimate piece, with talented actor-musicians, considered direction and excellent production values – distinctions which have undoubtably contributed to The Watermill recently being awarded ‘Theatre of the Year’ for the second time in three years. However, it is Hammerpuzzle’s Co Artistic Directors Tamsin Kennard and Bryn Holding who have written, composed and directed this version of Flora Thompson’s novels, proving that this is a co-production of organisations which are very much aligned in terms of artistic excellence.
We meet our protagonist, Laura (Jessica Temple), as a young girl, enjoying her idyllic Cotswolds childhood with her much-loved brother Edmund (Alex Wilson). In a few short scenes, we move through the pairs’ formative years, which highlights the subtle differences between Laura and her peers, disparities which later bemuse both Laura and her parents. On a trip to Candleford one summer, Laura has a chance meeting with Dorcas Lane (Rosalind Ford) who will change her life forever, and Act 1 closes on the brink of Laura moving to Candleford to work alongside Dorcas in the local post office.
Rosalind Ford is an exceptional talent, as Dorcas Lane and also as a stern school teacher and several other small roles throughout, but there isn’t a weak link in the cast of six. Alongside Temple, Wilson and Ford, Christopher Glover plays Laura’s Father and Uncle, Zrey Sholapurkar is Godfrey Parish and a very comical young boy called Freddie, and Rosalind Steele is excellent as Laura’s Mother. The ensemble inject the script with warm hearted humour and a zealous energy that keeps the piece pacy and engaging.
Anna Kelsey has designed the set and costumes, bringing a slice of the English countryside to the Watermill stage, and adding beautifully designed, historically accurate costumes. Jane Lalljee’s lighting design adds a slightly rose-tinted hue to the production, and sound designer Anna Short has contributed some beautiful subtle soundscapes perfectly evoking the English countryside.
Lark Rise to Candelford combines gentle storytelling and excellent performances, with a comforting nostalgia and transportive narrative. There is nothing challenging, or surprising in the show, and relatively little which compares to modern society as we see it today but sometimes (particularly in these gloomy times), it’s a pleasure to experience a piece of theatre just for the joy of it!
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: Sarah Brown