Lark Rise to Candleford: Season 1

Growing up in a golden era
Flora Thompson's charming love letter to a vanished corner of rural England is brought to life in this warm-hearted adaptation. Set in the Oxfordshire countryside in the 1880s, this rich, funny and emotional series follows the relationship of two contrasting communities: Lark Rise, the small hamlet gently holding on to the past, and Candleford, the small market town bustling into the future. Seen through the eyes of young Laura, their inhabitants endure many upheavals and struggles as the inexorably change comes; their stories by turns poignant, spirited and uplifting. And Laura herself must face great change. Taking a job in Post Office in Candleford, run by the mercurial Dorcas, she turns her back on her childhood hamlet to make her way in the world. With her loyalties divided, she must choose her own path to womanhood...

Episode 1 - Laura Timmins says goodbye to her friends and family in Lark Rise to start her first job at the Post Office in the nearby town of Candleford. Postmistress Dorcas Lane gives her a warm welcome, but her loyalties are soon divided over a dispute at Lark Rise about payment for the delivery of telegrams.

Episode 2 - When her husband escapes from prison, Postmistress Mrs Macey fears the damage to her reputation will force her to leave Candleford. Caroline is summoned to Court for failing to pay her debts to the brewery. Laura strikes up a friendship with Philip, a gamekeeper from the manor.

Episode 3 - Dorcas intercedes when a new maid drives a wedge bigger than her irresistible sponge cake between Old Amos and his son. Robert refuses to let his children sing a song in praise of the Tories at the local Church concert.

Episode 4 - Ruby and Pearl Pratt face scandal when their estranged father returns to town. It's bad news for the other Candleford residents too as the wily old rascal is working his scams - aided by Caroline, who is being pursued by a bailiff. Meanwhile, Laura ignores her father while out with Philip.

Episode 5 - The arrival of a new Post Office inspector causes problems for Dorcas. Robert has been carving a decorative angel on the schoolhouse for which he is not getting paid. Laura loses an important parcel.

Episode 6 - A homeless family take advantage of Robert's charity, leaving their little daughter behind. Sir Timothy is uneasy when Lady Adelaide wants to adopt her. Dorcas regrets playing Cupid between Thomas and Miss Ellison.

Episode 7 - The residents rally around Susan Braby when they realise her husband Sam has hit her - until she has him arrested. Matthew is ccommissioned to make new gates for the manor. Lady Adelaide is concerned that Sir Timothy is spending too much time with Dorcas. Laura brings Phillip home for tea.

Episode 8 - A violent storm hits Lark Rise and Candleford. The arrival of a radical new teacher causes divisions in the two communities. Dorcas has a new admirer. Alf tries to impress Laura, who seems increasingly smitten with Philip.

Episode 9 - Queenie finds a beautiful embroidered panel on a grave. Dorcas and Sir Timothy try to solve the mystery of who created it. Alf's poaching leads him and Edmund into danger. Fresh out of prison, Caroline returns to Lark Rise determined to mend her ways.

Episode 10 - Dorcas decides to sell up and leave Candleford. Philip's possessiveness causes Laura increasing concern. And there are surprises, joy and sorrow when everyone gathers at the Post Office for Zillah's birthday party.

Written by Flora Thompson, Bill Gallagher, Gaby Chiappe, Carolyn Bonnyman, Kate Gartside
Directed by Alan Grint, John Greening, Charles Palmer, Marc Jobst, Moira Armstrong
Produced by An Tricklebank, Grainne Marmion,
Executive Produced by Bill Gallagher, Susan Hogg
Original Music by Julian Nott
Cinematography by Mark Partridge, Balazs Bolygo, David Schwartz
Film Editing by Nick McPhee, Paul Brown, David Blakemore, Ian Farr, Alan Jones
Costume Design by Phoebe De Gaye, Pam Downe

"Beautifully observed and splendidly acted ... Dawn (French) makes an excellent drunken trollop." Guardian

"...well acted ... Olivia Hallinan is especially good as the young Laura/Flora." Sunday Telegraph

"With Dawn French as the village ne'er-do-well Caroline, Brendan Coyle as the moody but morally upright Robert Timmins, it looks like being a fine adaptation." Express

"...the perfect antidote to the gloomy winter nights ... this heart-warming drama is as comforting as a cup of the cocoa." Mail on Sunday

"Such is the sun-bathed beauty of their surroundings you might be apt to forget how hard times actually were." Sunday Telegraph

"Ever so charmed by it we are too." Sunday Mirror

"Lark Rise does have a rich on-screen quality ... there are also some fine performances." Sunday Express

"There are comic cameos by Liz Smith and Dawn French, but it is Olivia Hallinan's assured performance as Laura that stands out." Guardian "... splendid characters..." Sunday Times