REVIEW: LIGHTHOUSE by Justin Cartledge at Bread & Roses Theatre 5 April and on tour until 29 August 2026

Nilgün Yusuf • 6 April 2026

‘a dark tale of machismo and greed’ ★★★

Set off the rugged coast of Angus after World War One, two established lightkeepers, Morgan and Mac train James, a new fella. They have fun with the new recruit, asking him to do ‘important’ jobs like count the seagulls or waves. Given their claustrophobic work conditions in the middle of the North Sea, they seem to get on fairly well with good hearted banter, tea in enamel cups and leftover stew.

But there's much to contend with in this inhospitable place. The lighthouse battery needs replacing, there’s thick fog and more than two weeks until a change of crew. On this “rock of ghosts” inhabited by those lost to the sea as well as the personal memories the men carry, is growing darkness and less light. During a stormy night, an ominous knock at the door changes their lives forever in this tale that melds genre elements of psychological thriller, ghost story and heist.

There is much grizzling and growling from the strong cast who between them span a diversity of accents. Morgan, played by the writer Justin Cartledge, is a stickler for tidiness. Darren Matthews bestows Mac, his best Breton-capped, salty sea dog, while callow, gullible James is performed by Richard Orchard-Rowe. Each have their own motivations for being on the rock and their initial camaraderie is soon challenged.

Although an ‘in the round’ production would suit the lighthouse environment and audience immersion more than end on staging, the pared back direction by Amy Clayton does much to transport us. The sounds of crashing waves, wheeling gulls and clang of heavy metal doors work well, although even the faltering battery storyline doesn’t quite explain some of the inexplicable lighting choices.

In just under an hour, this economical well written piece sweeps us into another world entirely. It’s not a straightforward, linear story but plays with notions of reality and time through a circular approach. As tension mounts in this pleasing three-hander, set in a man’s world of forbidding terrain and challenging circumstances, none of the characters are quite what they seem, and the stakes soon rise wave high.

Catch this dark thriller of machismo and greed by Early Doors Productions as Lighthouse tours to The Courtyard, Brighton Fringe, Camden Fringe and Edinburgh Fringe.

LIGHTHOUSE

By Justin Cartledge

Directed by Amy Clayton

LISTING INFORMATION:

The Courtyard Theatre (N1 6EU)

09-10 Apr 2026

19:00 & 21:00

TICKET LINK: https://thecourtyardtheatre.seetickets.com/tour/lighthouse

Box Office: 0207 739 6868

Brighton Fringe, Rotunda Dome, Squeak (BN1 2FG)

23 May 2026

20:15