AN ‘EXPLOSIVE’ play about the suffragette movement will be performed in Otley next month.

Woman on Fire tells the story of one of the movement’s lesser known figures, Edith Rigby.

The Certain Curtain Theatre production, written by John Woudberg to celebrate the centenary of women first winning the vote, takes the audience into the turbulent core of the UK’s militant suffrage movement.

The action moves around from Preston to Manchester and from London to Glasgow, and back, as the play poses the question: how far would you go for what you believe in?

The one-woman drama sees Claire Moore inhabit the role of Rigby with a passionate and vivid portrayal that has been highly acclaimed.

Certain Curtain Theatre says: “By turns, funny, sad, tense and outrageous - but always utterly compelling - Woman On Fire separates the myth from the truth to leave you amazed and moved.

“The story of Edith Rigby remains largely unsung.

“Overshadowed by the more vociferous Pankhurst women, Edith nursed a quiet fire.

“Yet, inside this calm, affable doctor’s daughter raged a flame that burned white-hot against social injustice and a political system that denied women their most basic human right - the right to be treated as citizens in their own land - by denying them the right to vote.”

A Courthouse spokeswoman said spectators can expect to see: “The turbulent history of the suffragettes through the eyes and life of an unsung suffragette - Mrs Edith Rigby; a mild-mannered doctor’s wife, with a secret identity: arsonist, bomber and militant suffragette.”

Suitable for anyone aged 14 or over, the play starts at 7.30pm and tickets cost £12. They can be booked by visiting www.otleycourthouse.org.uk, calling the Box Office on (01943) 467466 or popping into the venue on Courthouse Street, Otley.

Fans of wind instruments, meanwhile, should enjoy an afternoon performance at the Courthouse on Sunday, March 1. Sospiri are a wind quintet whose repertoire includes a mix of classic and popular tunes along with new compositions that often integrate sung and spoken voice.

The group features Molly Austen on clarinet, Tracey Smurthwaite on flute, Rachel Peacock on oboe, John Page on horn and Amy Walton on bassoon.

A Courthouse spokeswoman said: “Their excellent musicianship and engaging style make for highly enjoyable performances.” The show starts at 2.30pm and tickets cost £6.