Lark Rise to Candleford in rehearsal

New rehearsal photography has been released for Lark Rise to Candleford, the new co-production from Watermill Theatre and Theatre by the Lake, in association with Hammerpuzzle Theatre Company, opening at Watermill Theatre on Friday 6 February, with performances running ahead of its transfer to Theatre by the Lake, Keswick, where it plays from Thursday 26 March to Saturday 18 April 2026.

Adapted by Tamsin Kennard from Flora Thompson’s much-loved novel and directed by Bryn Holding, this new staging blends storytelling and live music, performed by an ensemble of actor-musicians, to evoke a rural world shaped by memory, community and change.

The production opens at Watermill Theatre following a rehearsal period that has brought together a close-knit company of performers and creatives, with photography capturing moments of music-making, shared discovery and ensemble storytelling at the heart of the process.

Bryn Holding, Lark Rise to Candleford director and co-artistic director of Hammerpuzzle said “I am overjoyed to be directing this co-production between the Watermill Theatre and Theatre by the Lake in association with Hammerpuzzle Theatre Company. We have gathered together a stellar cast and creative team for this fresh adaptation of this literary classic. An ensemble of actor-musicians will unfold this resonant tale as we are invited to bear witness to the key chapters of a life well lived. We can’t wait to share this heart-warming story with you.”

Writer, composer and musical director Tamsin Kennard added: “I hope it can open a door for people to reflect on thier own life, their own memories and the things that are dear to them that can get lost in the complications of modern life.”

A partnership shaped by shared excellence

This production marks the first collaboration between Watermill Theatre and Theatre by the Lake, a partnership of equals between two theatres recognised nationally for artistic ambition, ensemble practice, accessibility and community engagement.

The Watermill Theatre has enjoyed a remarkable awards season. In September 2025 it won the UK Theatre Award for Best Musical Production for its revival of Jesus Christ Superstar, a bold, visceral staging celebrated for its inventive and thrilling re-imagining of the rock opera. In January 2026 the Watermill was named Theatre of the Year at The Stage Awards 2026, sharing the top honour with the Royal Court Theatre in recognition of outstanding artistic ambition and excellence in British theatre. Alongside these national honours, the company also won nine BroadwayWorld UK Awards in 2026 across categories including Best New Production of a Musical (Jesus Christ Superstar), Best New Production of a Play (Piaf), Best Direction, and multiple design awards.

The collaboration brings together Watermill Theatre’s distinctive actor-musician expertise with Theatre by the Lake’s long-standing commitment to bold storytelling and regional excellence.

Lark Rise to Candleford plays at Theatre by the Lake Thursday 26 March – Saturday 18 April 2026. Tickets are available here.