A PLAY paying homage to the 56 fans who lost their lives in the Valley Parade tragedy 30 years ago has so far raised more than £1,000 for Bradford's Burns Unit.

And the student theatre company behind the stage documentary is hoping its three-night run at the Alhambra Studio will be a sell-out when it opens on April 23.

After a first performance at last year's Edinburgh Festival, the production is now on an eight-date national tour which has also taken in Barnsley and will include one night in Lincoln.

The 56 was the idea of Bradford-born City fan Gemma Wilson who co-wrote it after meeting a man who said the disaster was not much talked about outside Bradford.

All the proceeds from the performances will be donated to Plastic Surgery and Burns Research Unit at the University of Bradford.

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At the end of the tour FYSA Theatre, a Yorkshire-based company founded by a group of Sheffield University students including Miss Wilson, will be taking it back to Edinburgh.

Director Matt Stevens-Woodhead said: "This project would not be possible without the support of the families and witnesses who so generously contributed their time and stories. We hope to keep performing it to keep the 56 remembered."

In the production, three actors recount people's memories of the 1985 disaster in a documentary style.

Those who have given testimony include sporting figures such as Terry Yorath, Trevor Cherry and commentator John Helm, and there was also personal input from survivors, emergency services and broadcasters.

The production sets the scene with the words: "Nobody dies at football matches in fires. It doesn’t happen. But at 3.40pm on May 11, 1985 a small fire broke out in the main stand during the final match of the season against Lincoln. Within four minutes the wooden structure was ablaze and 54 Bradford supporters lost their lives, along with two Lincoln fans."

Mr Stevens-Woodhead added: "This production is a re-telling of stories of those involved in the fire. Adapted from real-life testimonies, we examine themes of solidarity, strength and community in the face of tragedy. The 56 pays homage to all the supporters who lost their lives in one of the darkest days in British footballing history."

The production has also recently won accolades at the National Student Drama Festival in Scarborough - it won the Best Ensemble Award, Danni Phillips was given the spotlight award for the best actress and the Director's Guild Newcomers award went to Mr Stevens-Woodhead.

Tickets for the Alhambra Studio performances cost £11.50 each. To book call the Box Office on 01274 432000.