Octagon Theatre, Bolton. Runs until November 14 BOLTON writer Les Smith has composed a powerful play inspired by an article in the BEN.

In this world premiere we learn how Bolton soldier Jim Smith, earlier honoured for his bravery, is shot in 1917 for desertion. He was suffering from shellshock.

That's the bald story which Smith fleshes out with sensitive characterisation and a fine feel for the period.

Francis Magee gives a moving performance as Sgt Fielding and also as the narrator. The repetitive nature of the prose as he describes the horrors of war also carries the thread of a dance theme. Haunting tunes of the ballroom mingle with the dance to death imagery. It's an effective way of setting and moving on the action and Magee is masterly with Smith's words.

There's another fine performance from Iain Jones as Jim Smith.

The dream scenes with Jim's girl friend Lizzie -- a beautifully judged performance from Bolton actress Maxine Peake -- are both funny and touching.

Tony Maudsley who doubles as the sympathetic officer at the court martial and a reluctant and fearful private is excellent.

Richard Beecham's directs with a steady and firm hand. Scenes are just long enough for maximum impact.

Richard Foxton's set is grim, muddy and seems frighteningly authentic.

Les Smith has done a first-rate job of not only proving Jim Smith's innocence but showing the terrible background which produced such a miscarriage of justice. And he illustrates too, by the rough kindnesses shown by soldiers to their comrades, how man's humanity to man can survive even the horrors of the trenches.

Last night's audience paid the playwright and the actors the compliment of staying in their seats and applauding long after the cast had left the stage. It was a well deserved tribute. By Doreen

Crowther

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