And for the first time they will be using a projector and screen to show wartime clips of significant events, including the Dunkirk evacuation, Battle of Britain and the D-Day landings, to set the scene as the years roll by.

A 35-strong cast, including several new faces as well as familiar ones to Players' audiences, are involved in the show, which spans the years 1939-45 and tells of one family's experiences during those times.

Yorkshire man Roy Sault wrote the show, and Players' veteran director Brian Hubbard said: "It starts with war being declared in 1939 and carries through to a street party celebrating VE Day in 1945.

"In between, we see women queuing for ration cards, a Saturday night dance, a camp concert for the Forces and a hilarious scene in a cinema queue.

"It's really sad in places but has moments of comedy and farce woven into it, and it goes through the whole range of emotions."

The 35 songs in the show include favourites from the era, such as Yours, We'll Meet Again and the White Cliffs of Dover. The audience is invited to join in singing them with the cast.

Rehearsals began in January and the Players have had to hire some of the wartime clothes for this production to supplement those already in their stock or loaned to them.

Stage manager John Dawkins and his crew have been busy creating the background scenery and the dance routines have been put together by choreographers Clare Knock and Amy Daniels. Musical director is pianist Jill Dobbs, with accompaniment from Bob Dore on drums.

When The Lights Go On Again will be staged at Hamond's High School theatre in Brandon Road nightly from Wednesday to Saturday, April 15 to 18, at 7.30pm.

There will be a licensed bar and seating will be at tables. Tickets, £7 adults, £6 senior citizens, can be booked with the box office on 01760 721899.