Tue 16 Dec

We reveal the cast for Lark Rise to Candleford, our new co-production with Watermill Theatre

We’re delighted to announce the full cast and creative team for Lark Rise to Candleford, our upcoming production created in partnership with the award-winning Watermill Theatre, in association with Hammerpuzzle Theatre Company.

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

This production marks our first collaboration with the Watermill Theatre, a partnership launched at a moment when both organisations are being recognised nationally. The Watermill Theatre has recently been nominated for Best Regional Theatre at the What’s On Stage Awards for Jesus Christ Superstar, alongside our own co-production of Pride and Prejudice in the same category.

Woven together with original music and performed by an ensemble cast of actor-musicians, Lark Rise to Candleford is a tender coming-of-age story exploring memory, community, and the pull between home and the wider world.

Bringing the characters to life on stage will be Rosalind Ford as Dorcas Lane, Christopher Glover as Father and Uncle John, Zrey Sholapurkar as Godfrey Parish, Rosalind Steele as Mother, Jessica Temple as Laura, and Alex Wilson as Edmund.

We’re especially pleased to welcome Rosalind Steele back to Theatre by the Lake following her appearance in Spitfire Girls in 2025, which proved hugely popular with Keswick audiences and is set to return in May 2026.

Lark Rise to Candleford is written and composed by Tamsin Kennard and directed by Bryn Holding. The creative team includes set and costume designer Anna Kelsey, lighting designer Jane Lalljee, sound designer Anna Short, movement director Patsy Browne-Hope and associate lighting designer and programmer Jason Addison. Casting is by Cydney Beech and Claire Dunk.

Director Bryn Holding 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.”

Tickets for Lark Rise to Candleford at Theatre by the Lake are on sale now…