Knives in Hens a statement of intent from Horsecross Arts

Curtain Up. It’s play time again at Perth Theatre after its four-year refurbishment. And artistic director Lu Kemp and her cohorts have not gone for the safe route as Horsecross Arts attempt to attract a regular following back into the magnificent environs.

There is no room for the pot boilers of Agatha Christie, Alan Ayckbourn et al that would be sure to fill the finely restored auditorium and re-covered seats. Instead, the spring season accommodates plays by Harrower, Shakespeare and Polwart.

So, success will be measured in artistic merit. And, with Knives In Hens, that is one ticked off with top marks.

David Harrower’s harrowing piece is described as a Scottish classic, but, then, so is The Steamie – it’s all a matter of taste.

It can be emotional, exciting, mean and moody and Jamie Vartan’s miller’s stone-inspired set encapsulates the stark realities of a field-hand’s voyage of self discovery. She, the ploughman’s wife, realises there is more beyond the confines of her field, and enters another field – of dreams.

There is much to discover through the power of words and the release of all that is going on in her mind, with help from the muchhated miller, who is deemed to profit from the hard-work of the farmers.

Under Lu Kemp’s direction, this three-hander never flags, with no interval to spoil the flow.

In fact, it is so atmospheric that there were many trying to stifle a cough when the grain dust was flying about.

The old cliché tour de force is never more apt as Jessica Hardwick takes the honours as Young Woman. Rarely a moment to catch breath throughout the 80 minutes, except when she passes out due to too much boot liquor.