Writer: Oliver Bishop
Director: Renata Allen
Tales from the Lighthouse is an enchanting children’s show from Little Seeds Music, performed as part of Puppet Festival. The magical world of the Lighthouse Keeper is created with a simple but beautifully designed set by prop maker and builder Gemma Bond, all navy blues, yellows and whites, the lighthouse itself standing aloft with its light reflected by silver paper.
Oliver Bishop is the writer who brings to life these tales of the Lightkeeper’s lonely life, giving a lovely performance as the Lighthouse Keeper himself. Using part mime, part narration, Bishop’s vivid expressions invite us all, particularly the youngsters in the audience, to follow every step of the story. There are delightful moments of audience participation. On this occasion, a little girl at the front is evidently thrilled to be handed the sandcastle he has just fashioned. Similarly delighted is a young boy who is given a fishing net to catch the fabric fish which the Lighthouse Keeper throws towards him.
In the course of the tales, the Lighthouse Keeper protects ships heading towards dangerous rocks – a blue curtain hung up to represent the stormy sea, the ship a tiny model on the horizon. He encounters otherworldly creatures, including the magnificent Water Horse – a clever idea to turn a sea horse into its handsome ocean counterpart. The Seal is believably soft, silvery and doe-eyed. Then, in the blink of an eye, it is transformed into a maidenly selkie to dance with the Lighthouse Keeper under a full moon. These gorgeous puppets are also the work of Gemma Bond.
The music is very special. Composed by David Gibb, it is played and sung by Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne, accompanying himself on the Anglo-concertina. The instrument creates the haunting tones associated with sea music, and Braithwaite-Kilcoyne as The Stranger is a wonderfully uncanny presence. The appealing programme has Amy Hodkin’s superb illustrations.
Tightly directed by Renata Allen, it’s a charming show which appeals to all ages.
Reviewed on 17 August 2025 and continues to tour
