Theatre by the Lake and Watermill Theatre announce cast for Lark Rise to Candleford

Theatre by the Lake announces the full cast and creative team for its upcoming co-production of LARK RISE TO CANDLEFORD, created in partnership with the award-winning Watermill Theatre and in association with Hammerpuzzle Theatre Company.

Written by Tamsin Kennard and based on the much-loved book by Flora Thompson, this uplifting new staging opens in Keswick from Thursday 26 March – Saturday 18 April, following its run at the Watermill Theatre.

This marks a significant moment for Theatre by the Lake, as it becomes the first collaboration between the two producing houses, a partnership launched at a time when both theatres have been recognised nationally; the Watermill Theatre newly nominated for Best Regional Theatre at the What’s On Stage Awards for Jesus Christ Superstar, and Theatre by the Lake’s co-production of Pride and Prejudice also nominated in the same category.

Woven together with original music performed by an ensemble cast, this new version of Lark Rise to Candleford tells a story of cherished memories, finding your wings and the threads that bind us to home.

Bringing the characters to life on stage will be Rosalind Ford (Coven at Kiln Theatre, In Clay at Upstairs at the Gatehouse, The Cabinet Minister at Menier Chocolate Factory) will play Dorcas Lane, playing both Father and Uncle John will be Christopher Glover (The Kite Runner UK and Ireland Tour, Oliver! at Leeds Playhouse, The Card at New Vic), playing Godfrey Parish will be Zrey Sholapurkar (The History Boys at Theatre Royal Bath and the UK Tour), Rosalind Steele (Spitfire Girls with Tilted Wig which returns to Theatre by the Lake in May 2026 after a hugely popular run this year, As You Like It with Pilgrim Players, Harry Potter and The Cursed Child in the West End) will be Mother, Jessica Temple (Hamlet with The RSC, Patriots at the Almeida, The Mousetrap at St Martins Theatre) will play Laura, and in the role of Edmund will be Alex Wilson (Lark Rise to Candleford and The Snow Queen at Everyman Cheltenham with Hammerpuzzle Theatre, Secret Life of Humans at English Theatre Frankfurt, The Merchant of Venice with Shakespeare In Italy).

Lark Rise to Candleford has been written and composed by Tamsin Kennard, with direction from Bryn Holding, Anna Kelsey will provide set and costume design, lighting design by Jane Lalljee, sound designer will be Anna Short, movement direction by Patsy Browne-Hope and Jason Addison will be associate lighting designer and programmer. The stage management team will be Cat Pewsey, CSM for the Watermill Theatre, Sophie Acreman, CM for Theatre by the Lake, Andrea Claire, DSM and Katie Crump, ASM. Casting by Cydney Beech and Claire Dunk.

DIRECTOR QUOTE

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.”

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