Larkrise to Candleford

An evening of firsts for me. My first visit to new NODA members ‘The Russett Players’ to see a play I have never seen before. Like a lot of people I watched the television series so I was curious to see how it adapted to the stage. I understood that this was to be what they called a ‘community production’ which meant that anybody, of whatever age or ability, who wanted to be involved was fitted in regardless. What a lovely community spirit this evokes! 

Lark Rise to Candleford is a two-act play adaptation of Flora Thompson’s trilogy about late 19th-century Oxfordshire, depicting the decline of rural traditions amidst modern life's rise.

The built-up stage extended into the audience, allowing the set to remain the same throughout the performance. Back projection and effective lighting indicated different scenarios. The use of multiple exits and entrances, both on stage and through the audience, made us feel part of the action. Folk music and cast members singing enhanced the setting. 

The first Act is set in the hamlet of Larkrise, focusing on Laura (a biographical look at Flora Thompson’s own life) and centralised around the first day of “bringing in the harvest” but touched on the lives of the characters. All cast members had multiple roles and I must say I was a bit confused as to who was who throughout, but they all did well to convey the different personalities. The only constant was Laura played so well by Isla Brindley. I don’t know whether she has been on stage before but she brought a maturity to this role – lovely to see. 

In Act Two, Laura starts working at the Candleford Post Office, which is quite different from life in Larkrise. The setting shifts from the spring/summer seen earlier to winter, highlighting the challenges of the 1914/18 war, though there is still a moment for a snowball fight!

Well done Director Dave Francis for bringing the community together with a difficult and challenging play to bring to life, but I think you and The Russett Players cracked it.   

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