Flanders, August 21st 1917. British forces advancing towards Passchendaele are struggling through driving rain and mud. The fighting is fierce and bloody. Each day thousands are killed, wounded or lost to oblivion. Two miles behind the front line a Field General Court Martial begins. Private James Smith of the King's Liverpool Regiment is charged with desertion. This is the moving and compelling story of a Bolton soldier, who for three years has been fighting in some of the fiercest battles of the First World War. He has been wounded, received two Good Conduct Medals, and been promoted. He is now on trial for his life. Over 300 British soldiers were shot at dawn during the First World War. In 2006 they were granted a pardon that recognised them to be as much victims of war as the soldiers who died in battle. And at last, 92 years after his death, Private James Smith's name was entered in Bolton's Roll of Honour of soldiers who died in the Great War. Early One Morning was commissioned and first produced by the Octagon in 1998.| 9 Oct 14 to 1 Nov 14 | Octagon Theatre Bolton, Greater Manchester Performance Details => Venue archive |
