DARE DEVIL Rides To Jarama is the story of a friendship between a speedway star and a literary critic, poet and aeronautical expert.

In Neil Gore’s play, staged at the Carriageworks Theatre in Leeds on January 26, the pair make friends miles from home.

Both men made the extraordinary choice to leave family and livelihoods to fight in the brutal Spanish Civil War in the late 1930s.

The “compelling and humorous” play contrasts the lives of International Brigadiers Clem Beckett, born in Oldham, and Christopher Caudwell who were killed together at Jarama in February 1937, having become friends as members of the British Battalion's machine-gun company.

It is now 80 years since the Spaniards rose up to resist General Franco's military rebellion.

A spokesman said: “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 play multiple roles in a grand theatrical style with music of the period arranged by acclaimed folk musician John Kirkpatrick.”

Neil Gore, the playwright, said: “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.”

Visit leeds.gov.uk/carriageworks or call 0113 376 0318 to book tickets.