THE UNLIKELY friendship of a speedway star and a literary critic, poet and aeronautical expert in a country miles from home is celebrated in Dare Devil Rides to Jarama, a moving account of why so many ordinary people made the extraordinary choice to leave family and livelihoods and fight in the brutal Spanish Civil War.

The play, presented by Townsend Productions, who have previously visited the SJT with shows including The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists, is directed by Louise Townsend and can be seen at the venue on Thursday, March 2 at 7.45pm.

It was 80 years ago last year since the Spaniards rose up to resist General Franco's military rebellion. This compelling and humorous play contrasts the lives of International Brigaders Clem Beckett and Christopher Caudwell, who died together at Jarama in February 1937, having become friends as members of the British Battalion's machine-gun company.

The play, a critical success on its first tour, captures the humour, raw passion and emotion produced by the idealism of these men through immersive storytelling, stirring song, poetry, and movement. A cast of two, Neil Gore and David Heywood, directed by Louise Townsend, play multiple roles in a grand theatrical style with music of the period arranged by acclaimed folk musician John Kirkpatrick.

Neil Gore, who also wrote Dare Devil Rides to Jarama, says: “The play is an exciting and evocative piece about the incredible contribution made by the volunteers that made up the International Brigades to fight the forces of fascism and to uphold the power of democracy. It is also an important examination of the fascinating and brilliant life of Clem Beckett who achieved so much in such a short time as a top speedway rider and a rider in the Wall of Death around Europe. His life touched on so many of the major happenings in the 1930s, from involvement in campaigns such as better conditions in his sport and the Mass Trespass in Derbyshire to participation in anti-fascist demonstrations in Manchester; visits to the Soviet Union with a contingent of sportsmen and women and, ultimately, to his involvement in the Spanish Civil War.”

Tickets for Dare Devil Rides to Jarama cost from £10 to £18, and are available from the Box Office on 01723 370541 or online at www.sjt.uk.com