Unlikely friendship told in Potten

This unlikely friendship 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 to join the International Brigades and fight in the brutal Spanish Civil War so far from home.

This compelling and humorous play contrasts the lives of Clem Beckett 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.

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.

The play will be performed at 7.30pm on Saturday March 25 at Potten End village hall. Tickets cost £10 and are available from [email protected] or [email protected] or call 01442 862974 or 07956 968189.

The play is being shown to help raise funds to pay for a new boiler and remedial work on the hall’s drains.

Chairman of Potten End Village Hall Council, Mike Wallis, said: “We wanted to put on something more interesting than the usual jumble sale so we are really excited to have the opportunity to host this production.

“Our village hall was built around the time this play is set, so people will enjoy its ambiance and a glass of wine while seeing this thought provoking show.”