The BBC period drama available to stream on BBC iPlayer, and fans say it is ‘much more realistic’ than Downton Abbey
It’s available to stream for free on BBC iPlayer(Image: BBC)
A BBC period drama based on a trilogy of novels is being hailed as a “flawless masterpiece”, with audiences utterly captivated by it.
The “wonderful” period drama has sparked comparisons to Downton Abbey, with viewers deeming it “much more realistic” and praising how it “captures more of the reality of what life was like” for working-class people facing adversity in England during that period.
Lark Rise to Candleford is a BBC period drama, presently available to watch on BBC iPlayer, adapted from Flora Thompson’s trilogy of semi-autobiographical novels released between 1939 and 1943. The novels focus on daily life in the English countryside.
The programme aired for four series, initially broadcast in 2008, before being cancelled in 2011, with producers confirming it would not return for a fifth series.
Dedicated fans were utterly heartbroken by the news, with countless viewers establishing online petitions that amassed substantial numbers of signatures in a frantic attempt to have the programme recommissioned.
The little-known series has received incredible reviews(Image: BBC)
The axing also triggered a flood of complaints to the BBC, which prompted BBC One controller Danny Cohen to state: “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 centres on a small Oxfordshire hamlet named Lark Rise – inspired by Juniper Hill, where author Flora Thompson spent her childhood – and its fictional, more affluent neighbouring market town, Candleford, which incorporates aspects of Bicester, Banbury, Buckingham, and Brackley.
The programme chronicles the daily existence of artisans, gentry, and agricultural labourers, delivering an intimate and rich depiction of a vibrant and close-knit community filled with friends, families, rivals and neighbours.
The narrative unfolds through the perspective of young Laura Timmins, who leaves Lark Rise to venture into the prosperous Candleford, where she begins a fresh chapter under the mentorship of her mother’s cousin, the fiercely independent and spirited Dorcas Lane.
The show is based on day-to-day life in the English countryside(Image: BBC)
The programme emphasises the differences between the two women’s experiences and positions within the community as they navigate life’s triumphs and tribulations together.
Lark Rise to Candleford features Julia Sawalha, Olivia Hallinan, Claudie Blakley, Brendan Coyle, Linda Bassett, Karl Johnson, Dawn French, and Mark Heap, with substantial filming taking place in Box and Neston Park, near Corsham in Wiltshire, where both villages of Lark Rise and Candleford were constructed completely from the ground up.
While the period drama remains relatively under the radar among younger audiences, it has garnered considerable praise from viewers, with one IMDB user writing: “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.”
The series stars Julia Sawalha and Olivia Hallinan in the lead(Image: BBC)
A further admirer of the show added: “A glorious and charming production, may it ever continue.
“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, making 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.”
Another enthusiastic review of the programme states: “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.”
The reviewer noted: “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 admirer posted their views 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 streaming on BBC iPlayer now.