THE Blue Light Theatre Company are expanding their repertoire in response to audience requests by staging John Godber's classroom comedy Teechers from July 11 to 13 at Acomb Working Men's Club in York.

"We're best known for our outstanding pantomimes we put on each year while raising money for charity – last year’s panto raised £1,200 each for the Motor Neurone Disease Association (York) and York Against Cancer – but after suggestions from our ever-increasing audiences, who wanted more from us, our talented cast and crew have decided to put on an extra show this year," says Blue Light actor Mark Friend.

Teechers will be that play with its story of school leavers Salty, Hobby and Gail giving an account of their secondary school years, specifically their time with Mr Jeff Nixon, the new drama teacher who ignites their passion for the stage with his idealism and belief that all children should be treated equally. "Each of our eight cast members play several roles within the play, sometimes switching from a teacher to a student within the same scene, and vice versa, while providing a hilarious take on many aspects of school life, for instance the timetable; the school dance; PE lessons; the school bully; the ‘crush’; the staffroom and many more," says Mark. "This play will take everyone right back to their school days."

Directed by experienced director Peter Melia, the Blue Light cast comprises staff from the Yorkshire Ambulance Service and York Hospital, alongside regular performers from the York theatre scene.

Jorvik Kalicinski will play Salty; Perri Ann Barley, Gail; Simon Moore, Hobby; Craig Barley, Mr Nixon; Brenda Riley, Mrs Parry; Mark Friend, Mr Basford; Zoe Paylor, Miss Prime, and Pat Mortimer, Mrs Whitham, as well as switching to other roles.

Performances start at 7.30pm on Wednesday, 7pm on Thursday and 7.30pm on Friday. Tickets are on sale at £8, children £5, family ticket £21, at bluelight-theatre.co.uk or on 07933 329654, with a two-for-the-price of one deal for the opening night.

"As with our panto, all proceeds will be donated to our two chosen charities, Motor Neurone Disease Association (York) and York Against Cancer."