A BBC period drama based on a trilogy of novels is being celebrated as a “flawless masterpiece”, with viewers left completely spellbound by it.
The “wonderful” period drama has drawn comparisons to Downton Abbey, with audiences considering it “much more realistic” and applauding the way it “captures more of the reality of what life was like” for working-class people confronting hardship in England throughout that era.
Lark Rise to Candleford is a BBC period drama, currently available to stream on BBC iPlayer, adapted from Flora Thompson’s trilogy of semi-autobiographical novels published between 1939 and 1943. The novels centre on everyday life in the English countryside.
The programme ran for four series, originally airing in 2008, before being axed in 2011, with producers confirming it would not be renewed for a fifth series.
Devoted fans were absolutely devastated by the announcement, with scores of viewers launching online petitions that gathered considerable numbers of signatures in a desperate bid to have the show recommissioned, reports Wales Online.
View 4 ImagesThe little-known series has received incredible reviews(Image: BBC)
The cancellation also unleashed a torrent of complaints to the BBC, which prompted BBC One controller Danny Cohen to comment: “Lark Rise to Candleford has been a truly wonderful part of the BBC One schedule and we are incredibly grateful to writer Bill Gallagher and the team. But we feel the time is right to make room for new dramas which we hope will be taken to the nation’s hearts in the same way.”
Set during the late 19th century, Lark Rise to Candleford focuses on a small Oxfordshire hamlet called Lark Rise – inspired by Juniper Hill, where author Flora Thompson grew up – and its fictional, wealthier neighbouring market town, Candleford, which draws on elements of Bicester, Banbury, Buckingham, and Brackley.
The series follows the everyday lives of craftspeople, gentry, and farm workers, offering an intimate and vivid portrayal of a bustling and tight-knit community brimming with friends, families, rivals and neighbours.
The story is told through the eyes of young Laura Timmins, who departs Lark Rise to seek her fortune in the thriving town of Candleford, where she embarks on a new life under the guidance of her mother’s cousin, the fiercely independent and spirited Dorcas Lane.
View 4 ImagesThe show is based on day-to-day life in the English countryside(Image: BBC)
The series highlights the contrasts between the two women’s lives and their places in the community as they face life’s joys and challenges together.
Lark Rise to Candleford stars Julia Sawalha, Olivia Hallinan, Claudie Blakley, Brendan Coyle, Linda Bassett, Karl Johnson, Dawn French, and Mark Heap, with significant filming conducted in Box and Neston Park, near Corsham in Wiltshire, where both villages of Lark Rise and Candleford were built entirely from scratch.
While the period drama remains relatively unknown amongst younger audiences, it has received substantial acclaim from viewers, with one IMDB user saying: “I think this is wonderful! I have not read the books and so do not know how true it is to them but as a drama in itself i think that it is brilliant!
“There are many story lines yet they all link into one, the acting is superb and hilarious, an extremely worthwhile period drama and I am very pleased to say that my cousins who are 15 and 17 year old males, are absolutely obsessed and I am very pleased that it is appealing to such a wide range of people and educating them.”
Another fan of the programme said: “A glorious and charming production, may it ever continue.
View 4 ImagesThe series stars Julia Sawalha and Olivia Hallinan in the lead(Image: BBC)
“The previous posters I feel are nit picking at what is one of the most glorious productions I have enjoyed in many years. Not having read the books from which the series is taken, I came to it not knowing what to expect. It is beautiful, glowing with a golden warmth, a lyrical love poem to the people and village life of England just over a century ago, making it hard to return to daily life without regret.”
One viewer, drawing comparisons with Downton Abbey – the benchmark for period dramas – said: “A gem to watch. How did it take me this long to watch Lark Rise to Candleford. I was hooked right away. I was drawn in by the innocent drama and its colorful characters. Unlike, Downton Abbey, which I adore, this period drama captures more of the reality of what life was like in a time of hard times for residents.
“Every character had a story to tell whether a happy one or a sad one. So, why was this wonderful and endearing series not made into a movie. Downton Abbey has the pomp and circumstance. But Lark Rise to Candleford has great substance and drama to be on the big screen. Lark Rise to Candleford is my weakness.”
A further glowing review of the show reads: “Flawless!! The BBC has long been known as the undisputed world leaders when producing period drama for the TV. When you consider the absolutely wonderful period dramas Auntie Beeb has produced over many, many years, it is an accolade indeed to be able to say that Lark Rise To Candleford is by far the very best they have ever produced.”
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The reviewer went on to say: “It is plain to me that everyone of the cast and crew got on extremely well together, which can be seen by the way this series was so wonderfully produced and acted. The final thing I would like to say is that it is a great pity that 10 is the highest mark I can give Lark Rise To Candleford.” One devoted fan shared their thoughts on IMDB: “I am writing this on a wet and windy Sunday morning whilst watching Larkrise to Candleford for the umpteenth time. It is one of the best written and performed period dramas which lifts the soul and warms the heart.”
Lark Rise to Candleford is available to stream on BBC iPlayer now.