THE reality of climate change is in the spotlight in Baked Alaska, a "deliciously entertaining" new show from York theatre company Riding Lights that opens on home turf at the Friargate Theatre tonight.

Paul Burbridge and Jonathan Bidgood's environmentally themed play brings together inter-connecting stories from the four corners of the Earth of humanity living with the wild and unpredictable effects of climate change.

An island in the South Pacific has a problem on account of being hollow; anxiety levels are rising in a North American boardroom; Eve’s garden is bursting with next door’s rubbish and even the ducks have relocated to Bangladesh.

"Scientists, farmers, oil magnates, climate warriors, prophets, mothers, journalists and others just like you and me – we’re all in the mix and hungry for a recipe of hope," says Paul. "In the struggle over power, some sound the warming bell, some blow hot and cold, while others make a pudding of the planet.

"In the high-energy, ‘seriously funny’ style for which Riding Lights is well known, Baked Alaska is something we can all look forward to… unless we do something about it."

Expect lashings of vibrant music, high-energy storytelling and laughter that will surprise you in a play directed by Burbridge, designed by Sean Cavanagh and performed by Bidgood, Katie Brier, Edith Kirkwood and Ivan Scoble.

After three performances in York from tonight to Wednesday, Baked Alaska will tour Britain until November 28 with its compassionate voice and message of hope before the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris.

Riding Lights is working in partnership with Climate Coalition members Christian Aid and Operation Noah and the Diocese of Lichfield on this autumn's production. Anna Burden, from Christian Aid, says: "This year is a crucial one in the battle against climate change, which is already hitting poor people hardest.

"The national Baked Alaska tour with Riding Lights will be an amazing opportunity to bring this message to thousands of people in the run-up to the Paris talks and to encourage every one of us to get involved, raise concerns with our local MP and be part of the answer.”

Riding Lights takes innovative theatre into all kinds of communities. "Our aim is to create unforgettable, entertaining theatre in response to current issues and the hopes and fears of the world we share," says marketing and communications manager Peter Birkinshaw.

Notable past productions have included Ben Jonson’s The Alchemist with with the Belgrade Theatre, Coventry; the epic co-production of the York Mystery Plays 2012 in the Museum Gardens with York Theatre Royal and York Museums Trust; and African Snow, marking the 200th anniversary of the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act, staged in partnership with York Theatre Royal.

Operation Noah is an ecumenical Christian charity that provides leadership, focus and inspiration in response to "the growing threat of catastrophic climate change". The charity has produced a short document, operationnoah.org/what-we-do/ash-wednesday-declaration, which provides a theological basis for a Christian response to climate change.

The Climate Coalition and sister organisations Stop Climate Chaos Cymru and Stop Climate Chaos Scotland add up to Britain's largest group of people dedicated to action on climate change and limiting its impact on the world’s poorest communities. The combined supporter base of 100 member organisations is more than 11 million people across Britain.

The Diocese of Lichfield is "committed to sharing in the care of God’s creation", and the Bishop of Lichfield, the Right Reverend Jonathan Gledhill, has directed half of this year’s Lent Appeal to the sponsorship of Baked Alaska.

The autumn tour will run for more than 50 shows, among them St Edmund's, Roundhay, Leeds, on November 6 and St Mark’s, Harrogate, on November 14. For more information and the full tour schedule, visit ridinglights.org/baked-alaska, where you also can watch a trailer.

Tonight's show in York will be a youth preview, followed by a public preview tomorrow and the opening night on Wednesday, all at 7.30pm. Tickets for tomorrow and Wednesday are on sale on 01904 613000.