IT'S a strange world in which a speedway star forges a friendship with a literary critic, poet and aeronautical expert in a country miles from home.

This unlikely friendship is celebrated in Dare Devil Rides To Jarama, which marks the 80th anniversary of the Spanish Civil War.

The play is based on the experiences of The International Brigades and looks at the powerful political and economic forces that engulfed 1930s Europe.

It will be performed at the Sherling Studio, Poole on Wednesday February 1 and Burton Bradstock Village Hall on Saturday, February 4 .

Dare Devil Rides To Jarama looks at why so many ordinary people made the extraordinary choice to leave family and livelihoods and fight in a brutal war so far from home.

Its performance in Burton Bradstock is its only performance on the Artsreach circuit in Dorset this spring.

Yvonne Gallimore, Artsreach co-director said: “Townsend are a much loved company on the Artsreach circuit, and to be bringing this highly acclaimed show from the London theatres to rural Dorset, and with the support of our season sponsors Blanchards Bailey, is really exciting.”

Compelling and humorous, Dare Devil Rides To Jarama focuses on the contrasting lives of Clem Beckett, a Lancashire blacksmith and famous star of the speedway track, and Christopher Caudwell, a renowned writer, poet and philosopher. Both men were killed together at Jarama in February 1937, having become friends as members of the British Battalion's machine-gun company.

Through stirring song, poetry and compelling movement and dance, Dare Devil Rides To Jarama captures the full story of the raw passions and emotions of this historic dispute in a powerful and thought-provoking production. Musical direction is from acclaimed folk singer and squeezebox player John Kirkpatrick.

n Dare Devil Rides to Jarama, on Wednesday, February 1 at 8pm at the Sherling Studio, Poole. Call the box office for tickets. It will also be performed on Saturday, February 4 at 7.30pm at Burton Bradstock Village Hall. For tickets, call 01308 897421.

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