The Lighthouse

This critically acclaimed production won the 2020 Ruby Award for Best Work or Event at the Adelaide Festival. The Lighthouse takes the audience on a journey through a series of rooms exploring the innovative use of light, sound, perspective and reflection. With its labyrinth of interconnected rooms on various levels culminating with performances on its main stage, the State Theatre, Melbourne is a great venue choice.

The part installation / part scientific journey is an immersive feast for the senses. The 60 minute performance features the use of mirrors, super troopers, lasers, glow sticks, balls that change colour, mists of water, modernistic atmospheric music, inventive costumes and includes live performances by an astronaut and a cello player. This is sensory overload - but never overwhelming! Nothing here is contrived! The Lighthouse Keepers gently guide the audience between rooms, always allowing each person to decide their own level of spontaneous participation.

The adults were equally enthralled by this exhibition that puts children and their families at the centre of an exploration of light. It was great to see all ages taking the same journey and taking part in the interactive elements. The performance encourages you to engage and experiment. Artistic Director Geoff Cobham aims to take light out of traditional theatre spaces and move it into new territory. The Lighthouse is a conversation with the universe. It exists at the crosswalk of science and art, sparking curiosity at the world around us.  

At the conclusion of the The Lighthouse performance my 16 yo grandson commented: "Today all my dreams came true!".  What a review!  In a world where children are being bombarded by all sorts of stress it was lovely to take them to a wonderland of enlightenment (literally) for 60 minutes. Congratulations Patch Theatre - mission accomplished!

Jonathan Cox

Images: Matt Byrne