Lark Rise

“Lark Rise” is a drama written by Keith Dewhurst and based on the semi – autobiographical novel by Flora Thompson. The play depicts village life in late Victorian Oxfordshire, Lark Rise, re – enacting the first day of harvest.

Co-directors, Robin Hillman and Claire Henson have done an excellent job with this very difficult production; it had a good pace and lots of attention to detail. The venue for “Lark Rise” could not have been more perfect and the directors have used the space to its best advantage. The actors had been well cast in their roles and I was particularly impressed with those with multiple roles who managed to convey the different characters very well – Kevin Buxton as Old Price and Carrier. Stuart Mayher as Boamer and Doctor. Hilary Hillman as Pumpkin and Mrs Andrews. Sophie Thomas as Mrs Spicer, Martha Beamish and Mrs Peverill. Ross Green as Old David, Mr Sharman and Rector. Inez Wilkins as Fisher,Twister, Tramp and Algy. Robin Hillman as Mr Morris, Sam Pridham and Old Postie. Vicki Roberts as Old Sally and Garibaldi Jacket. Jenay Smith as Queenie, Jerry Parish, Cheapjack and Landlord. Julie Black as Mrs Blaby and Mrs Beamish. There were very good performances too from Isobel Barber as Laura (lovely diction) Jess Swain as Edmund, Karen Croshaw as Emma Timms, Nick Barber as Albert Timms, Alistair Way as Bishie and Lydia Le Fer as Mrs Miller. Well done to you all!  Kazoos – The Lark Rise Band (Robin Hillman, Vicki Roberts, Dan Turner, Roland Heeley and Nick Chapman) played very well throughout the performance. There were excellent vocals from the singers ( Robin Hillman, Vicki Roberts, Jenaya Smith and Sophie Thomas) And the very talented Robin Hillman did an excellent Morris dance.

The costumes for this production were very good indeed and were in keeping with the period. The props too were of a very high standard. The whole production was visually very good. The lighting and sound quality was faultless throughout the performance.

Thank you to all at Under the Tower Drama for this delightful and well- presented performance of “Lark Rise”. 

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