Lark Rise To Candleford - Rosaline Ford Interview

This is a memory. It’s also a story. The story of a girl called Laura.

Surrounded by golden fields and tinkling brooks, time trickles in the hamlet of Lark Rise. A home, for Laura and her loving family, in their snug, thatched cottage. But, with the gentle rhythm of the changing seasons, her heart yearns for something else, something more.

Rosalind Ford.

When the long-promised trip over to Candleford finally comes, Laura discovers a world beyond Lark Rise, beyond the pages of her beloved books. A world which moves to a different beat, full of new characters and new opportunities. Striving to find her place, to rewrite her future, a new chapter for Laura begins.

Woven together with original music performed by an ensemble cast, this new version of Lark Rise to Candleford tells a story of cherished memories, finding your wings and the threads that bind us to home.

We caught up with Rosalind Ford, who plays Dorcas Lane and is the Onstage Musical Director.

What can you tell me about this production of Lark Rise to Candleford?
This adaptation by Tamsin Kennard (adaptor and composer) captures everything I love about the book(s) by Flora Thompson, and this production captures everything I love about theatre - it’s completely magical. There’s a special atmosphere where the main character’s existential bewilderment finds relief in a gorgeously soulful appreciation of wildlife, land, and people. 

In this production, we get the chance as an ensemble to inhabit an array of colourful characters, painting Laura’s world in all its simple glory. The show is utterly enchanting. 

What drew you to the character of Dorcas Lane?
I absolutely love her ‘indomitable’ energy, and the spirit with which she will not be put down. I relate to her enthusiasm, aspire to her decisiveness, and admire her drive.

How does Dorcas shape the journey of the characters around her, in particular that of Laura?
Never have I played a character who so demonstrably and declaratively changes the course of a narrative. Laura speaks repeatedly of the sheer impact Dorcas has on her, the latter encouraging her to make more of her life than what the hamlet would offer. 

How have you been approaching getting into the headspace of Dorcas?
Luckily, I'm a naturally enthusiastic and assertive person, so I lean into that and let the text guide me. There's a stage direction in the script that reads ‘Dorcas enters with her usual energy of total chaos and total control’, which to me means that she rapidly and physically moves through thoughts and ideas, whilst fully committing to each one, voicing them with absolute surety. She may be chaotic, but she is not haphazard. She makes decisions with confidence, and takes assertive action. Practising that is a great tonic to my overthinking!

Could you share what it’s like to portray such a vibrant role with all the original music intertwined?
It’s magic! A multi-roling hybrid actor-musician ensemble piece with so many literal and metaphorical moving parts is a complex beast to rehearse, but it's so gratifying to feel when we're on to something good, and the collaborative spirit in this team is pure harmony.

Having the composer in the room gives us the amazing opportunity to sculpt the music to the ideas we have in real time; variations spring up, codas for transitions are written before our ears, and the music and text begin blending beautifully as we find the rhythm of an underscore. 

What is your mental and physical preparation like for a show like this?
I meditate, work out to stay fit, and do yoga to keep my joints and muscles well oiled. If I don't do these things I burn out and get injured.

The Watermill allows for intimacy, how much are you looking forward to getting that immediate response from the audience?
I'm really looking forward to it. There is a lot of direct-to-audience narration in this (Benjamin Button stylie), so it means a lot that the audience feels close and involved.

How do you reflect on your career to date having played to great success in shows such as In Clay, Coven and in the original cast of The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and more?

It has been a wonderful whirlwind. I've met so many incredible creative people, been part of some exceptional teams, been to some amazing places, and told some really special stories. When I reflect on my career, it's all rich colours, laughter, light and soul.

(Not a question but noteworthy!) Bring Back Gin Craze!!!
HERE HERE! That was a very fun gig. Very strange logistically (COVID times meant we were bubbling as a cast and crew, and audiences were socially distanced so small in number) but a cracking time, and a really interesting story.

What was the first piece of theatre that had a big impact on you?

Blood Brothers, which I saw aged six from the back row of the stalls at the Phoenix Theatre in 1998 (it's possible I saw Jacinta Whyte in it, who I just worked with on Coven - six year old me would be beside herself!) It was mysterious and exciting for all I didn't understand about the story, and deeply inspiring for the craft of it (e.g. the mimed bicycle mount/dismount leg move motif - I found that so brilliant as a device, and we actually use it in Lark Rise!)

What keeps you inspired?
Fellow actors, watching theatre, film, TV, good music, real people in the wild, going up hills, good conversation, trees, the sea, reading all sorts.

What would you like audiences to take away from this retelling of Lark Rise to Candleford?

A feeling of faith and reassurance. Things are rocky out here in the world, but this show reminds us that we all have a place in it, and that we can affect change for ourselves and others, however small and simple. Also, get outside, go in the fields, be with wild life.

Lark Rise To Candleford runs at The Watermill Theatre in Newbury from 6th February until 14th March. Tickets are avaiable from https://www.watermill.org.uk/events/lark-rise