Scoring the Chilling Ghosts of Flannan Lighthouse: A Campfire Radio Theater Mystery

Writing music is always a pleasure, but writing **creepy music** for a historical mystery is a unique thrill. Over the last month, I have worked on just over thirty short pieces of music for the latest episode of Campfire Radio Theater.

The episode, titled “Ghosts of Flannan Lighthouse,” was written, directed, and produced by John Ballentine. It is based on a disturbing actual historical event that took place on Boxing Day, 1900. The Telegraph (UK) ran a retrospective story about the event, noting that even after 100 years, the disappearance of the three keepers remains an unsolved mystery.

The Atmosphere of Isolation

I have seen lighthouses on the coasts of the US and in a handful of other countries, and they all conjure up very specific emotions for me. There is a sense of isolation and solitude that makes me feel equally nostalgic, melancholy, and introspective.

For this score, I had to tap into that feeling of being completely cut off from the world. In the script, the lighthouse is described as a “grim sentinel of primordial rock” rising from the abyss. The music needed to reflect that sheer, stone-cold loneliness.

I recall a story about a lighthouse keeper who had to row his boat for hours to return home after his watch. There were no neighbors; any emergency had to be dealt with alone. Being so secluded, carrying the burden of maintaining the light to save lives, and having to be entirely self-sufficient seems like a rather mad way to live.

Composing for the “Mistress” and the Storm

The script for Ghosts of Flannan Lighthouse introduces terrifying elements beyond just the weather. There is a “Mistress” of the isle, a presence older than the rock itself.

The story involves pagan rituals, blood-stained journals, and a storm that threatens to sweep the very structures into the sea. It was easy to visualize the lighthouse and the sea, and a real pleasure to immerse myself into the atmosphere of that place while writing the score.

Perhaps in another life, where I was smarter and stronger, I would have taken on such a job. But in this life, I am quite content to write music in the comfort of my own home, not far from grocery stores, hospitals, and friends, rather than facing the “wrath of the Atlantic”.

Listener Reception

The response to this episode has been incredible. Because the story is grounded in reality, the horror hits closer to home. As one listener noted, “All the creepier as it’s based on a true story.”

We also strove for high authenticity in the production. The use of genuine Scottish voice actors helped ground the story in its Hebridean setting, with fans commenting, “Thank you for using Scottish voice actors. It made it even more authentic.”

Cast and Crew

A chilling mystery unfolds in 1900 off the Scottish coast as Joseph Moore arrives at the Flannan Island Lighthouse to find it cold and abandoned… its keepers vanished. Will a blood-stained journal reveal a clue to their dark fate or resurrect an ancient long-dead curse?

• Written, Directed, and Produced by: John Ballentine
• U.K. Production Directed by: Matthew McLean
• Music by: Kevin Hartnell
• Produced in association with: Yap Audio and Audio Drama Production

Cast:

• Robert Cudmore
• Matthew McLean
• Jim Balfour
• Rich Matheson
• Blaine Hicklin
• Caitlin Sneddon

Running Time: 33:50