A PRODUCTION of the classic BBC TV comedy Steptoe and Son will be staged at Skipton Little Theatre on Saturday, March 3.

Marking 56 years since the first broadcast, this production of Steptoe and Son, adapted for the the stage by John Hewer, will be headed by a cast featuring Jeremy Smith and Mr Hewer as Albert Steptoe and son Harold, respectively.

Jeremy trained at the National Youth Theatre and was also a member of The Young Vic Company and has toured in several productions ranging from farce to Shakespeare.

Mr Hewer works as a writer and director, but is best known for his portrayal of Tommy Cooper in Just Like That! The Tommy Cooper Show and for his performance as Tony Hancock in Hancock’s Half Hour – The Lost Episodes.

Steptoe and Son ran for eight series from 1962 to 1974 and spawned two film spin-offs and is fondly remembered as one of the greatest and most influential programmes.

Telling the story of two warring rag-and-bone-men in their Shepherd’s Bush scrapyard home, Albert and Harold became household favourites across generations. One proclaims he’s a “a poor old man” while the other protests that actually he’s “a dirty old man!” In actual fact, both are telling the truth.

The adapted stage show has been fully endorsed and supported by the original writers, Ray Galton and Alan Simpson.

Hambledon Productions have been granted exclusive access to the entire Steptoe and Son archive to adapt a range of episodes for the stage in this nostalgic but fresh recreation of original episodes.

Ray Galton OBE. said: “The affection for the original shines through in this fine production. The performances are marvellous.”

Doors for the Steptoe and Son production open at 7pm and the play starts at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £12 or £10 for under 16s/students and are available at skiptonlittletheatre.org.uk or by ringing 07527 141176.