A group of Bradford actors are taking to the stage to raise funds for a little boy who had his legs amputated after catching a rare form of chicken pox.

The actors are reprising their production of John Godber's comedy Bouncers, which they first performed at The Priestley in 2003.

They were asked to stage it to raise funds for a charity set up to help five-year-old Callum Mardy from Leeds, who suffered a rare strain of chicken pox and had to have both his legs amputated.

The Callum Mardy Fund is raising cash to adapt the youngster's home to suit his needs.

"We were more than happy to help out," said director Damian Shalks, who also plays one of the bouncers - and several other characters.

The play is being staged at Haycliffe Special School in Great Horton where Damian is the head of performing arts.

"Because we've done the play before, for a week-long run at The Priestley, there's not quite so much pressure this time," he said. "It's a demanding play because the cast of four men play 20 different roles, including women, but it's great fun.

"It's quite a dark comedy and anyone who's ever been on a boozy night out in a club like this will recognise the characters."

When they staged the last production, the actors enlisted the help of a British bodybuilding champion to beef up for their roles.

Jason Barnett, a former Bradford club doorman and Mr Universe competitor, put them through some gruelling work-outs and taught them some of the security techniques used in clubland, so they looked authentic as bouncers. Jason also told them stories of clubland to familiarise them with the life of a bouncer.

Bouncers is a snapshot of life over one evening in a nightclub. Set in the 1980s, the play provides a funny and sometimes poignant insight into the banter between four doormen.

Other characters include a gang of lads and a gaggle of girls on a night out, a tacky DJ, a hotdog salesman and a cabbie.

l Bouncers runs at Haycliffe Special School, Haycliffe Lane, Bradford, on March 9, 10 and 11. For tickets ring (01274) 576123.