The Lighthouse Girl

Black Swan State Theatre Company's world premiere of The Lighthouse Girl by Hellie Turner is adapted from the Dianne Wolfer books Lighthouse Girl and Light Horse Boy, and is a beautiful telling of a lovely, if sad, Australian First World War story.

Set on a single set, an inspired design by Lawrie Cullen Tait - a rocky outcrop that is predominantly the barren Breaksea Island - but with the assistance of lighting designed by Joe Lui and sound by Brett Smith, it becomes the lighthouse cottage, rural Victoria, Egypt and Anzac Cove.

This is a gentle but emotive play, with some heartfelt performances. Daisy Coyle is outstanding as the titular character Faye Howe, a shining beacon of hope and a constant presence throughout the story. Daisy captures a girl on the brink of womanhood beautifully.

Benj D’Addario gives quiet strength to Robert Howe, Faye’s recently widowed father, in a lovely performance. Murray Dowsett charms as Joe Taylor, a grandfatherly figure with quiet wisdom.

Lovely larrikinism and terrific teamwork from Will McNeill (Jim Finch) and Giuseppe Rotandella (Charlie), as young soldiers with a beautiful coming of age journey.
Excellent support and understated elegance from Alex Malone as Alice Finch, and strong portrayals from Nick Maclaine as photographer Frank and Major Bridges.

An excellent new play with a wonderful and uplifting theme. So fitting that the World Premiere in Albany and its opening in Perth were both within a week of Anzac Day.

This sweet, moving little gem of a show, is well worth seeing.

Kimberley Shaw

Images: Lee Griffith Photography