AFTER a hugely successful preview UK tour last year in honour of the centenary of the 1916 “Conscription” laws, Take the Space now bring their beautifully original, vibrant new play White Feather Boxer to York Theatre Royal Studio on Saturday 25 November at 7.45pm.

It’s April 1967. In a shabby Bethnal Green boxing gym, elderly trainer Jimmy hears the news that heavyweight boxing champion of the world, Muhammad Ali, has defied the US Military by refusing to fight in Vietnam.

It’s a story Jimmy knows all too well. As a Quaker Boxer he himself made a choice during the First World War, when conscription sent pacifists to prison or the firing squad; when he, at the peak of his boxing career and physical prowess, refused to fight for King and Country despite the terrifying consequences.

Jimmy still can’t face his demons from the past and now there’s a new one from the present - Jo, a Polish immigrant who lives on the local estate. Just turned 16, Jo’s strong, talented, impulsive, angry and, given the chance, potentially a brilliant boxer – but she’s a girl. Jimmy is 70 now. Has he the strength, or even the patience, to coach this wild young teenager and teach her discipline and respect?

Tickets are available from the box office on 01904 623568 or go to yorktheatreroyal.co.uk