Lark Rise To Candleford Episode 7, Series 2

Sunday 8 February

When Robert’s work tools disappear while he is enjoying a relaxing summer afternoon with his children, it tips the Timmins family into financial despair, as BBC One’s charming adaptation of Flora Thompson’s childhood memoirs continues. Much as Emma tries to comfort and buoy up her dejected husband’s spirits, a stonemason without his tools cannot work, and Robert is forced to take on the most basic of tasks.

When family and neighbours rally to help restore Robert to his position as a craftsman, his pride bristles and his stubborn nature makes things worse: with poverty biting, something must be done.

Time weighs heavily on blossoming romances in Candleford. As preparations for the grandest of inauguration celebrations for the new town clock gather pace, James Dowland’s courting of Dorcas may be beginning to bear fruit when he bestows upon her a very special privilege.

The countdown to the clock unveiling also weighs heavily on the amount of time Fisher and Laura have left together. When the clock is finished, he is determined to leave Candleford. Will his love for Laura persuade him to change his mind?

Brendan Coyle plays Robert Timmins, Claudie Blakley plays Emma Timmins, Jason Merrells plays James Dowland, Julia Sawalha plays Dorcas Lane, Matthew McNulty plays Fisher Bloom and Olivia Hallinan plays Laura Timmins.

Lark Rise To Candleford Episode 6 – Series 2

When Dorcas Lane is suddenly taken ill, Laura Timmins finds herself with more than one problem to solve, as the popular adaptation of Flora Thompson’s childhood memoirs continues. Afraid to admit that even she has limitations, however, Laura decides that she will not fail Dorcas and soon realises that she must accept her own weaknesses if she is to succeed.

With both Lark Rise and Candleford rallying around to show their support for Laura’s new role in the post office, she soon feels the pressure mounting up and is troubled when anonymous letters begin to arrive. When Minnie sees the delivery of one of the packages, her past catches up with her once again and she is left fearful of her haunting memories.

James Dowland, meanwhile, is deeply troubled on hearing of Dorcas’s condition and makes it his business to see that she is cared for properly. The relationship between James and Dorcas continues to flourish as they finally begin to feel at ease with one another.

As Laura’s feelings for Fisher Bloom continue to develop, Dorcas feels the need to protect her and the hostility between Fisher and Dorcas begins to cloud the air. True love never runs smoothly, and Laura and Fisher must decide whether to let fate determine their future.

Julia Sawalha plays Dorcas Lane, Olivia Hallinan plays Laura Timmins, Ruby Bentall plays Minnie, Jason Merrells plays James Dowland and Matthew McNulty plays Fisher Bloom.

Lark Rise To Candleford is also being simulcast on the BBC HD channel – the BBC’s High Definition channel available through Freesat, Sky and Virgin Media. With up to five times more detail than standard definition television, HD gives you exceptionally vivid colours and crisp pictures to make Lark Rise To Candleford a truly cinematic TV experience.

Lark Rise To Candleford -Series 2 – Episode 5

Time rests heavy on the residents of Lark Rise and Candleford as baby Annie stirs up emotions of days gone by and loves yet to be found, as the popular adaptation of Flora Thompson’s childhood memoirs continues.

With Emma Timmins feeling the strain of feeding and clothing her family, Dorcas Lane offers to lend a helping hand – unaware of the consequences that her generosity will bring. The feelings baby Annie inflames for both Dorcas and Ruby Pratt become too much to bear. But, with the Timmins house empty, Robert and Emma embrace their new-found freedom.

Whilst the post office welcomes baby Annie, Thomas struggles to cope with the feelings which her presence brings. He must learn to accept his past and move on, if he and Miss Ellison are to have the future they so desperately long for.

James Dowland, meanwhile, is keen to continue the progress of modernising Candleford and hires the help of the young and self-assured Fisher Bloom. Laura is quickly taken with his arrival but feels uncomfortable and unable to let her true emotions show.

James and Dorcas also do their best to avoid the feelings that they so obviously share for one other.

Emma Timmins is played by Claudie Blakely, Dorcas Lane by Julia Sawalha, Ruby Pratt by Victoria Hamilton, Robert Timmins by Brendan Coyle, Thomas Brown by Mark Heap, Miss Ellison by Sandy McDade, James Dowland by Jason Merrells, Fisher Bloom by Matthew McNulty and Laura Timmins by Olivia Hallinan.

Lark Rise To Candleford is also being simulcast on the BBC HD channel – the BBC’s High Definition channel available through Freesat, Sky and Virgin Media. With up to five times more detail than standard definition television, HD gives you exceptionally vivid colours and crisp pictures to make Lark Rise To Candleford a truly cinematic TV experience.

Lark Rise To Candleford Episode 4 – Series 2

There are changes afoot for the residents of Lark Rise and Candleford tonight, as the popular adaptation of Flora Thomson’s memoir of her Oxfordshire childhood continues.

When an accident happens on the path joining Lark Rise with Candleford, Dorcas Lane and James Dowland clash once again.

The death of Miss Ellison’s father unites the two communities but, amongst Read the rest of this entry »

Lark Rise to Candleford: Series 2: Episode 3

BBC One, 8:00pm Sunday 11th January

Battling with her emotions for new arrival James Dowland, Dorcas Lane sets out to defeat the dashing property developer in the parish council elections.

Meanwhile, the grind of making ends meet in Lark Rise proves too much for Robert and Emma Timmins, and Robert’s reluctance to change grows stronger.

A place for women in politics – Lark Rise To Candleford, Series 2, Episode 2

Battling with her emotions for new arrival James Dowland, Dorcas Lane sets out to defeat the dashing property developer in the parish council elections, as this popular adaptation of Flora Thomson’s memoir of her Oxfordshire childhood continues. In her quest to win, Dorcas is caught up in a fight to prove that there is a place for women in politics.

Meanwhile, over in Lark Rise, the daily grind of making ends meet proves too much for Robert and Emma Timmins, as they find themselves torn between the past and the future. As Candleford continues to embrace the growth and prosperity that James Dowland pledges, Robert’s reluctance to change grows stronger.

Lily Spicer, too, has her own issues with change. Used to living her life on the road, the appeal of a little home comfort is overwhelming. Longing to settle down, but hesitant to compromise her true self, Lily must decide what it is that makes her a real woman.

Young romance continues to puzzle Alf Arless, as he questions his feelings for Laura again. With the help of Twister, they set out to win her over. But the introduction of Alf’s new love interest is not quite what it seems.

Jason Merrells plays James Dowland, Julia Sawalha plays Dorcas Lane, Brendan Coyle plays Robert Timmins, Claudie Blakley plays Emma Timmins, guest star Lorraine Ashbourne plays Lily Spicer, John Dagleish plays Alf Arless, Olivia Hallinan plays Laura Timmins and Karl Johnson plays Twister.

Lark Rise To Candleford is also being simulcast on the BBC HD channel – the BBC’s High Definition channel available through Freesat, Sky and Virgin Media. With up to five times more detail than standard definition television, HD gives you exceptionally vivid colours and crisp pictures to make Lark Rise To Candleford a truly cinematic TV experience.

A handsome stranger rides into Candleford – Lark Rise To Candleford, Series 2, Episode 1

04 Jan 2009, 20:00 on BBC One

Following last week’s Christmas special, a new series of Lark Rise To Candleford, adapted by Bill Gallagher from Flora Thompson’s magical memoirs, begins tonight.

A handsome stranger rides into Candleford with a look of determination about him. As he approaches, the man, James Dowland, chances upon young Edmund Timmins and presents him with a silver thruppence.

James’s arrival in Candleford catches the eye of several of the residents, but he only has eyes for a certain Dorcas Lane. For the Pratt sisters, he is their new hero who will put Candleford on the map with the opening of a new hotel.

Not everyone is so keen on James. Robert Timmins is suspicious of his motives and is less than accepting of his financial help when he offers to take the Lark Rise tenants under his wing. Emma Timmins and the other tenants, however, are more than happy to welcome James into their homes.

Mrs Herring, the cantankerous landlady, continues to add to the strains of the Lark Rise residents with her refusal to upkeep their homes. Dorcas and James take it upon themselves to help, and come up with a plan to show Mrs Herring the error of her ways.

Meanwhile, Dorcas’s patience is tried with the arrival of a new maid, Minnie, who can do no right. She means well but, with her troubled past, struggles to contain her excitement – testing Dorcas and those around her to the limit.

Edmund Timmins is played by Thomas Jones, James Dowland by Jason Merrells, Dorcas Lane by Julia Sawalha, Pearl Pratt by Matilda Ziegler, Ruby Pratt by Victoria Hamilton, Robert Timmins by Brendan Coyle, Emma Timmins by Claudie Blakley, Mrs Herring by Maggie Steed and Minnie by Ruby Bentall.

Lark Rise To Candleford is also being simulcast on the BBC HD channel – the BBC’s High Definition channel available through Freesat, Sky and Virgin Media. With up to five times more detail than standard definition television, HD gives you exceptionally vivid colours and crisp pictures to make Lark Rise To Candleford a truly cinematic TV experience.

Read the rest of this entry »

Lark Rise To Candleford – Christmas Special

Sunday 21 December 7.45-9.00pm BBC ONE

Lark Rise To Candleford returns for a second series with a feature-length Christmas special, followed by 11 new episodes of this popular and heart-warming adaptation of Flora Thomson’s charming memoir of her Oxfordshire childhood.

Julia Sawalha, Olivia Hallinan, Dawn French, Brendan Coyle and Mark Heap return to delight and entertain in a wonderfully captivating seasonal tale that unites the past and the present.

There’s also an extra festive treat for viewers in the form of guest star Sheridan Smith (Two Pints Of Lager And A Packet Of Crisps, Love Soup and Jonathan Creek – The Grinning Man) in the role of Cinderella Doe.

When Dorcas and Emma each want to give Laura the same gift for Christmas, an old family wound is opened up and Laura finds herself torn between two mothers.

As the inhabitants of Lark Rise and Candleford prepare for the festivities, loyalties are tested and, amid the gift-giving and carol singing, tensions are building.

However, the arrival of a ragged, bare-footed young woman, who goes by the name of Cinderella Doe, introduces a note of Christmas mystery.

With its usual mix of charm, warmth, comedy and pathos, Lark Rise To Candleford kicks off its new season with a story rich in history.

Laura Timmins is played by Olivia Hallinan, Dorcas Lane by Julia Sawalha, Caroline Arless by Dawn French, Emma Timmins by Claudie Blakley, Robert Timmins by Brendan Coyle, Alf Arless by John Dagleish, Thomas Brown by Mark Heap, Queenie Turrill by Linda Bassett, Twister Turrill by Karl Johnson, Ruby Pratt by Victoria Hamilton, Pearl Pratt by Matilda Ziegler, Miss Ellison by Sandy McDade and Walter Arless by Robert Pugh.

Lark Rise To Candleford is also being simulcast on the BBC HD channel – the BBC’s High Definition channel available through Freesat, Sky and Virgin Media. With up to five times more detail than standard definition television, HD gives you exceptionally vivid colours and crisp pictures to make Lark Rise To Candleford a truly cinematic TV experience.

Jason Merrells plays James Dowland

James Dowland, the handsome and charming hotelier rides into Candleford fresh from recent success in London. Guaranteed to turn a few heads along the way, Dowland is a man of mystery that a few of the residents may well already recognise. Speaking about his character Jason comments:

“Dowland is a self made man to a certain extent. He comes from Lark Rise originally as an orphan who was looked after by Queenie (Linda Bassett). Dorcas’s father was a bit of a philanthropist and gave the young Dowland, a silver thru pence, which was very key to his imagination at the time and he took that silver thru pence and left Lark Rise to find his fortune.

“I imagine that he made his living through livery stables, perhaps through the back of hotels, to the front of hotels and then slowly worked his way up, eventually managing quite a fashionable London hotel. Years later he decides he wants to come back and see where he came from and if he can make a name for himself there. So one day he literally rides into town with all these expectations and tries to make a go of things.”

There is also talk of an attraction between James and Dorcas, it there any truth to the rumour?

“I think he really sets his sights on Dorcas because she is the beautiful one; she’s very strong and really challenges him. They are constantly bickering over the way Dowland does things which can be quite fun to play.”

As the new kid in town, what was it like joining the cast and what kind of entrance do you make?

“I literally ride into town on a horse, which was great as one of my biggest dreams is to be in a Western! Without the frontier, massively dangerous gun culture and wide open spaces, Lark Rise could in fact be a Western.

“My horse was actually quite famous on set,” laughs Jason, “The only problem was that he was a falling horse, so I was warned that when the director yells action! the horse was trained to run and then fall! I think they were just winding me up and he was a lovely horse. I was allowed to do most things but not gallop, which is fair enough.”

After appearing in contemporary series such as Cutting It and Waterloo Road, what was it that appealed to you about doing a period drama like Lark Rise to Candleford?

“I watched the series last year and really like it. I thought it looked stronger and stronger as the series progressed and I am a huge fan of Bill Gallagher’s writing. I saw a drama he wrote called Conviction and that was just brilliant. I also really liked the character of James; it was a real gift to play.

“In terms of comparing period and modern drama, I don’t think people are that different, we’re far more similar than we allow ourselves to believe. One of my favourite costume dramas from recent years was the BBC version of Vanity Fair. I thought it was interesting for so many reasons, people weren’t acting in a particular costume drama way, as they used contemporary camera moves and it felt very fresh.”

He continues, “There are certain ways of behaviour and manners that are different, such as the way in which a gentleman has to stand. Slouching was not as prevalent or cool as it is now. Apart from that though the characters and stories aren’t so different – it was only 100 years ago!”

Julia Sawalha plays Dorcas Lane

Post Mistress Dorcas Lane decided to stay at the Post Office at the end of the first series.

However the joy was short lived as she said goodbye to two very special people in her life; Zillah (Liz Smith), her ever faithful maid sadly passed away, whilst Sir Timothy (Ben Miles) left for London with his wife Lady Adelaide (Olivia Grant).

So what is in store for Dorcas in the second series of Lark Rise to Candleford?

“Well Dorcas has got another love interest called James Dowland who is played by Jason Merrells. At first, they fight against each other because of his lack of understanding of the whole community.

“She finds it hard to understand where he’s coming from but there is also a romantic thing going on. She is attracted to him but she doesn’t understand why. Since losing Zillah, I think she wears her emotions much more on her sleeve – she’s much more vulnerable in this series.

“I miss not having Liz around, she was a fantastic person to have on set but this series, we’ve got a wonderful actress Ruby Bentall who’s incredible, she plays my new maid. It’s a lovely dynamic to have this younger maid in the kitchen that can’t do anything, and it’s made Dorcas realise how much she has learnt from Zillah. As much as you loseWeight Exercise people you have wonderful replacements that bring in a new dynamic and a new energy and so the thing moves on.”

Does working on a period drama such as Lark Rise to Candleford presents challenges for an actor?

“There is a certain amount of etiquette involved such as not putting your elbows on the table, sitting up, and the way you walk, you have to take small steps. Sometimes in the stage directions you’ll read, ‘She runs down the street’, and Victorian ladies did not run! This wasn’t just out of manners, it’s physically impossible to run in a long skirt and a corset so you have to constantly remind yourself of things that they did and didn’t do!”

Julia, a veteran of period dramas, having starred in Cranford and Pride And Prejudice, has plenty experience of wearing corsets.

“I’m actually alright in the corsets!” she laughs, “I’ve got a bit of elastic around the side of them which helps me breathe although I do run out of breath in long speeches. There are days when it becomes a bit intolerable but it’s just like anything really. When you wear a tight pair of jeans it can become terrible sometimes. I think it helps you so much with character and helps you stand up straight and gives you a bit of grace.

“Corsets come in all different shapes, and I would say this is possibly the most restricting one I’ve worn. Some corsets are soft corsets, like the ones in the Pride And Prejudice period. They would push your boobs up but wouldn’t pull you in because you’ve got the A length dresses. But I think in this period, about five years before 1896 they were aiming for a 21 inch waist!”

The first series of Lark Rise to Candleford brought in around seven million viewers each week, what kind of reaction have you had from fans?

“The reaction has been incredible. The letters I’ve had from people are the nicest letters I’ve ever had. People have gone out of their way to write, saying: ‘I wouldn’t normally write this letter but what Dorcas went through I have been through…’

“Even in the street what most people say is that they’re so pleased there’s no murder and no violence and I think that’s the main crux of it. It’s just easier on the eye, easier on the ear, gentle drama, which looks at people’s relationships. People had the same relationships then as they do today, except we’re wearing different costumes. We have our fights we have our heartbreaks, we have our happy moments.

“This all makes my job worthwhile because it means that I’ve helped someone escape in some way for an hour and understand their own emotions and that’s a huge compliment to me.”