CAMPAIGNING theatre company Townsend Productions brings a new show with music, Behold Ye Ramblers, to Shillingstone’s Portman Hall on Saturday 23rd and Burton Bradstock village hall on Sunday 24th, both starting at 7.30pm.

Behold Ye Ramblers is a new play by Neil Gore, produced in association with The Society for the Study of Labour History.

From the voices of ramblers and campaigners to the songs and poetry inspired by past and current struggles, Behold Ye Ramblers tells the story of The Clarion newspaper and the organisations formed by its readership, including the famous rambling clubs, like Sheffield’s Clarion Ramblers, the Clarion Cyclists and Clarion Vans.

These Edwardian pioneers promoted healthy outdoor pursuits, organising expeditions across open moors and mountains while campaigning for the right to roam, bringing them into conflict with landowners’ hunting and shooting activities and laws that prioritised private property over the wellbeing of others.

Featuring music and songs, Behold Ye Ramblers celebrates The Clarion Ramblers and their mission to escape to the great outdoors from overcrowded industrial homes, factories and long working hours.

The touring production returns to the south west on 25th April (Clevedon Theatre Shop),  26th to Lustleigh Village Hall, 27th to Cornwood Village Hall, 14th May to Bristol’s Alma Tavern, 15th May at Dorchester Corn Exchange, 17th May at Crediton Arts Centre and on 18th May at Poole’s Lighthouse.  Visit the company website for full details.