MEDICS are swapping one theatre for another in the world premiere of a play at the Conquest Theatre in Bromyard.

A Minor Operation was first written by Frank Ryding 13 years ago as a single act play for the Hereford Drama Festival.

Now the anaesthetist at Hereford County Hospital has re-written and extended the play about the modern world catching up with a forgotten cottage hospital.

"It's based on my own experiences in the Home Counties," said Dr Ryding.

Medics also crop up in the cast, including anaesthetist John Ballance as the Minister of Health, and Vanessa Price playing newcomer Sister Sullivan.

The cast also includes former RSC actress Alexandra James as the old-fashioned Nurse Beeston, Jan Williams as junior nurse Westwood, Graham Sole as the MP and Sharon Bethell as the Minister's secretary.

"The big joke is that I should remember which theatre I'm in," said Dr Ryding.

"I send them to sleep in one and try and keep them awake in the other."

A Minor Operation is the latest offering from the Studio Players theatre company, which usually stages original works including black comedies and theatre of the absurd,.

The proceeds of the show will be split between three charities - Hope Now, which deals with orphanages and child health in the Ukraine and South Africa, the British Red Cross, and Home Start, which helps single parents.

A Minor Operation runs from Tuesday to Saturday, April 1-5, at the Conquest Theatre, in Bromyard. Tickets £6 and £7 from the box office on 01885 488575.