A Romeo and Juliet of the Irish Troubles... in Canada Peter Cargill

Belfast-born playwright Nicola McCartney’s Heritage has a UK premiere feel to it at Pitlochry Festival Theatre, this being the first professional appearance since its inception more than 20 years ago.

But when such a directorial luminary as Richard Baron requests to add it to the summer season at the Theatre in the Hills, then any doubts as to its dramatic value can be quickly dispelled.

Written almost out of anger over her knowledge and experiences of the troubles in Northern Ireland, the author successfully portrays the absurdity of sectarianism.

The action takes place in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan around 100 years ago, as settlers from Northern Ireland emigrate with hopes and

visions of a new life, but forever encumbered by their upbringing and the ever-present, self-inflicted sectarianism.

It is a love affair that is never destined to succeed between Sarah and Michael – their respective and religiously-divided families are never to part from their beliefs and forbid the two to see each other.

Fiona Wood and David Rankine bring a delightful innocence to their burgeoning relationship – and not a little stamina, as both occupy the stage for almost the entire length of the play. Deirdre Davis exudes veneration as matriarch Emer.

Such is its tone, Heritage could pass as a contemporary piece. That is the pity of it all.

It is not without humour, add in a mix of pathos and hopelessness, and you have an absorbing piece of theatre played out on a Ken Harrison-inspired set, made out of planks of wood which double as a screen for projections.

Wayne Dowdeswell’s lighting and Rita Henderson’s choreography are also integral contributions to the action.

There is certainly no end of contrast in the five productions which are running at Pitlochry

Heritage continues until September 26.