The Lighthouse Keeper

Even in the context of performance art, this is a brutal tale. A man, too clumsy for normal life, eventually finds his dream job. He is isolated from society, slowly going insane from loneliness yet rescuing ships from dangers through a mixture of good sense, bad luck and the magic of music. Finally, he is automated out of employment, disappearing into our dreams with only the vague hope that his ukulele will bring him further joy.

Clive Nicholas Andrews brings a naïve joy to his complex routines, identifying the absurdity of simple routines and revealing a perfect clowning finesse. From his idiot savant opening, through to his exchange with a mop-headed commander, he manages to keep his temper and smile in the most adverse circumstances. Even when it appears that he has failed in his duty as lighthouse keeper, his unquenchable optimism saves the day.

The simple, clean set, the imaginative use of props and Andrews’ command of the stage make this more than just another one-man absurdist drama. The brightness and colour seem to increase the poignancy, and the humour leavens the tragedy. The children in the audience, cruel and pitiless as they are, found the whole thing hysterical, laughing with the poor victim as he tangled and untangled himself. An excellent entertainment.