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LIGHTHOUSE

 
Susanne Crosby Review by Susanne Crosby 3 Published: 26 May 2026 The Rotunda Theatre: Squeak Show Dates: 23 May 2026-23 May 2026

Three men in a lighthouse on an isolated island, the storm raging outside: it’s a strong setting for a tense, contained drama. Two seasoned keepers initiate a new trainee, and, over the course of a few days, the shifting power dynamics between them emerge. When an impossible stranger arrives with a temptation none of them expect, those dynamics twist in unsettling ways.

atmosphere in spades and a story worth telling

The central section of the play is the strongest, with believable, truthful power plays that feel grounded in character. The opening, however, leans heavily on exposition, and the dialogue here would benefit from further shaping to feel more natural. When the men discuss their shared experiences of the First World War, the material doesn’t land with the emotional weight it seems to be reaching for.

Staging-wise, there are moments that could be refined: one actor sits with his back to the audience for a noticeable stretch, blocking sightlines and diluting the tension between the characters. The final development introduces more questions than answers and may be a step too far, potentially distracting from the stronger work earlier on. The final twist adds intrigue but risks overcomplicating what is already a satisfying psychological battle.

Still, Lighthouse has atmosphere in spades and a story worth telling. With some tightening of the writing and staging, it could beam brightly among the Fringe Festival’s darker dramas.

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The Blurb:

It’s not just the past that haunts you. From the producers of recent Edinburgh Fringe 5 ★ smash-hits "Death, the Devil and the Fablemaker" and "Blue Morpho", comes another stormy night to remember. Set in Caillte Lighthouse off the coast of Angus in the North Sea just after WW1, the story follows two keepers and their training of a third before things occur that question their loyalty, friendship and ultimately, their sanity. LIGHTHOUSE is a gripping twist of a piece that delves into the human psyche of trust, paranoia and greed. With stylish, well-placed humour, jeopardy, suspense and a stellar cast, be prepared to see this sensational piece take the UK by storm. Listed by The Herald as one of the "Top 20 Must-See Shows of EdFringe 2022", LIGHTHOUSE will take you on a 55 minute journey to hell and back like no other. "Rock solid performances and a great sense of atmosphere go a long way to illuminate this new murder mystery thriller!" - The Scotsman