Some dark history is brought to life in haunting Highland thriller

There are some strange goings-on at Perth Theatre this week with the introduction of first-time playwright Ali Milles’ The Croft.

Set in the little-used crofting settlement of Coille Ghillie in the Applecross area of Ross and Cromarty (yes, it does exist), the action spans 150 years up to the present time.

Suzanne’s marriage is on the rocks and she hooks up with a new toy-girl Laura, who persuades her to visit the remote cottage, owned by her clerical father and where her mother chose to die.

It is a culture shock for Suzanne with no mobile signal and where the gadget de rigueur is a two-way radio set.

But there are other “occupants” in this mysterious cottage. We head back to the time of the 19th Century clearances, then fast forward to Laura’s mum’s fight, or rather lack of fight, against cancer.

The theme throughout is female oppression and brings with it three resolute performances from the women – Lucy Doyle as Laura, Caroline Harker as Suzanne and Gwen Taylor as Enid, the persecuted crofter of the 1870s.

For the delightful Gwen, it is an evening happed up with a wardrobe of apparel as befits a cold and unheated croft, with a liberal sprinkling of facial blood – the glamour of showbiz.

Drew Cain and Simon Roberts share roles in three different centuries and complete the stellar line-up. And there’s never a missed cue from the excellent lighting and sound crew.

It’s a seamless production by the touring Original company under the direction of Philip Franks, with one generation morphing into another before our very eyes.

The CVs of Franks, Taylor and Harker have a common denominator – they have all co-starred with acclaimed TV star David Jason (Darling Buds of May, A Bit of a Do and Frost, respectively).

It is an absorbing piece of theatre with the occasional sudden “happening” to jolt you upright. Nothing, of course, to an old hack such as myself, although I have cancelled my planned trip to a cottage in the remote Highlands.

The Croft is at Perth Theatre until Saturday February 8, then continues on tour down south.