Review: The 306: Day, Station Hotel, Perth

This is the second in Oliver Emanuel’s trilogy, which charts the shameful piece in British history when 306 soldiers were executed for desertion, cowardice and mutiny during the First World War.

Following on from the largescale soldiers’ story in Dawn, this second piece is more intimate as it covers life back home for the womenfolk as they struggle against the lack of food and money, as well as coping with despair and bereavement.

This is a dramatic and harrowing tale of three women (some real, some fictional) in their everfrustrating attempts to be heard – demanding peace in the face of those who say “peace is the coward’s way out”.

The audience is dragged into the action, metaphorically, being at such close quarters in this setting.

Set on a square acting area surrounded within touching distance by the audience, it must be a daunting task for any actor but it does enhance the experience for everyone, with the feeling you are part of it all.

There is no let-up in Jemima Levick’s production – not even an interval – 90 minutes of non-stop drama, movement and music but the five girls (Angela Hardie, Dani Heron, Fletcher Mathers, Wendy Somerville and Amanda Wilkin) along with Steven Miller, must be commended for never letting the spirit of the piece drop for even a second

Fast forwarding 74 years, the action culminates in Janet Booth’s emotional appearance before MPs at Westminster as she seeks justice for her grandfather and the other 305. On the review night, this became even more significant, as Janet herself was an honoured guest in the audience.

It continues in the Grampian Room at the Station Hotel until this Saturday, then stops off at Dundee’s Marryat Hall on May 25.