Emanuel’s The 306 trilogy ends on a triumphant note

As we come towards the end of this centenary year since the end of the First World War, the third part of Oliver Emanuel’s evocative trilogy about The 306 is making its mark at Perth Theatre.

It is not a proud moment in British history – 306 soldiers were killed by their own comrades for desertion, cowardice or mutiny.

In “Dawn”, we followed the disparate fortunes of three soldiers, eventually executed; “Day” concentrated on the womenfolk back home and now “Dusk” brings us up to Armistice Day 2018.

This is a harrowing and emotionally-charged production from director Wils Wilson with an evocative soundtrack from Gareth Williams, played by musical director Jonathan Gill on piano plus string quartet and expansive choir.

Those present will not easily forget the climax as the full company chant the 306 names (some unknown) as they are projected on the back wall.

Posthumously pardoned in 2006, this must be one of the first occasions they have been acknowledged in public.

Although heavily-pregnant, Rachel can’t resist the opportunity to go on a remembrance trip to the battlefields – her granddad Louis being one of the 306.

Played with great sensitivity by Sarah Kameela Impey, she also has an outstanding singing voice.

Danny Hughes, as Louis, epitomises the brashness of youth, the naivety, the terror of a teenage soldier as he awakens from the dead 100 years later.

This production is not only a piece of music theatre, but an “event” and all plaudits go to Perth Theatre in association with the National Theatre of Scotland and for the original commission from the 14-18 NOW WW1 Arts programmers.

Not saying this lightly – it’s a triumph!

The 306: Dusk continues at Perth Theatre until October 27.