Tempting Providence - Theatre Newfoundland Labrador, Lighthouse, Poole

THIS unscheduled introduction to the new season at Lighthouse was a triumph.

Ruth Eastwood - chief executive of Lighthouse - had such confidence in this terrific show she went so far as accommodating the touring company of seven people in her own home, repeating a money-back guarantee live before each performance and providing the audience with printed slips to make claiming a refund simple. Only a misanthrope could have taken up her offer.

From the first moment we were treated to theatrical story telling of supreme quality. Equipped with just a table, four chairs and a sheet, the cast of four created a tumbling variety of scenes and props ranging from rowing boats on Canadian rivers to cradles with newborn infants.

At the core was the life of Myra Bennett, a hugely talented nurse who took up a two-year contract to help the people of Newfoundland and stayed the rest of her life.

Her story was performed by a quartet of excellent actors whose faultless delivery was a joy to behold.

Lighthouse has had the perfect curtain-raiser to a well-planned season.