Three men in a lighthouse made me recall a previous play in a similar setting, Wickies, but this play, LIGHTHOUSE, by Justin Cartledge is a psychological thriller, not a story of curses, ghosts and storytelling.
Mac (Darren Matthews) and Morgan (Cartledge) have been joined at Caillte Lighthouse by James (Richard Orchard-Rowe), a younger, inexperienced man sent to learn the ropes. All have been damaged by the Great War and circumstance, and something is about to happen that may change their lives forever.
Gaining acclaim at the 2022 Edinburgh Fringe and heading back there this year, this curious play ramps up the tension while never really offering answers. There is friendship, temptation, and betrayal on the menu during LIGHTHOUSE‘s 55-minute running time. It’s all very atmospheric and anchored with ease by director Amy Clayton.
Places off the beaten track surrounded by mysterious mists and storms are often a place for contemplation and fear – for these three men, it is being haunted by the past while being driven mad by glimpses of the future.
The three performances are very strong, especially Matthews, who convincingly pivots from affability and playfulness to paranoia and brutality. The idea of an intruder being – well, you will have to watch the play to see why there is no one credited with the role – both a blessing and a curse is a potent piece of plot.
The original story, if not the setting, offers lots of potential for twists and turns, and the script holds our attention from first to last. By the end, we are not quite sure what we have seen, and what was real – has insanity and trauma overtaken the trio, or have we really seen their working relationship implode so catastrophically?
Greed is not always good, and friendship is paper-thin, LIGHTHOUSE tells us. And watch out for the height of those waves.
4 stars.
LIGHTHOUSE is at Etcetera Theatre as part of Camden Fringe until 9 Aug, then runs at the Edinburgh Fringe (Thistle Theatre at Greenside, 24-29 Aug).