Written by Jenny Davis and Hellie Turner. Directed by Stuart Halusz. Featuring Sienna Cate, Isaac Diamond and Nick Maclaine.

Based on the novels by award-winning author Dianne Wolfer

The Lighthouse Girl Saga is a sweeping story of ordinary people living in extraordinary times: a tale of courage, resilience, hope and love.

A bold adaptation by two of WA’s leading and award-winning playwrights, Jenny Davis OAM and Hellie Turner, this epic production blends four award-winning novels by West Australian writer, Dianne Wolfer: Lighthouse Girl, Light Horse Boy, In the Lamplight and The Last Light Horse into the most compelling theatrical event of our times.

Striking visuals, evocative sound and innovative staging transports the audience with the First AIF convoy as it embarks from King George sound and farewells Australia from the beacon of the lighthouse at Breaksea Island, to the hell of Gallipoli, the mud in the trenches at the Western Front, a nurse’s compassion in rural England and peaceful horizons in country Victoria. Journey with Fay, Charlie, Jim, Rose and Sandy, the only warhorse to return to Australia of the 136,000 sent to war, across seas and through the mire of war as their intersecting stories culminate in the forging of the ANZAC spirit and a love that conquers all.

THEATRE 180 Artistic Director says this is their most ambitious production to date.

“The surging narrative of Dianne Wolfer’s Lighthouse Series of books has found its way into the Australian psyche, from the desks of primary school students to teenagers and adults alike, the interconnected stories offer something for everyone.” Halusz says. “Embedded in the ANZAC legacy and juxtaposed against the brutality and futility of war is a deeply felt love story: love of country, love of family, love of horses and the Australian bush, and of course the young love that blossoms between two people who find themselves even amidst the chaos of a world at war.”

REVIEWS

To witness Dianne Wolfer’s award-winning Light Series of books live on stage through a fabulous adaptation by award-winning writers Jenny Davis and Hellie Turner was truly moving. The Lighthouse Girl Saga is a sweeping story of ordinary people living in extraordinary times: a tale of courage, resilience, hope and love. I highly recommend watching this world-class production.
– Rebecca Stephens MLA

Director Stuart Halusz delivers the expert stagecraft required to tell the story with an excellent cast…An accessible, instructive and powerful introduction to one of the most visceral, elemental times in our nation’s history.
– David Zampatti, Seesaw Magazine

An emotive, beautifully drawn story…An emotional rollercoaster of a show…The imagery is amazing, with the visual design by Gneiss Design and production by Sunburnt Films featuring a wonderfully edited combination of archival footage, original film, photographs and images from the books..This should probably be compulsory viewing for all Australian school students as its ability to touch the heart, while relating actual events, is an eye-opening perspective of Australian history…A gorgeous production that deserves to be seen by all.
– Kimberley Shaw, Stage Whispers