He comes out of the Army after seven years, into the era of glam rock and flares, not really knowing where he fits.

Best friend Bob Ferris (David Nellist), however, has moved up in the world during his absence, swapping brown ale for beaujolais and riding around in a Vauxhall Viva.

He's even on the brink of marriage to childhood sweetheart Thelma Chambers (Susie Burton) – and Terry's re-appearance threatens to throw a spanner in the works.

Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais wrote the first stage version of the classic sitcom just for the Gala, and the script is based on Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads?

Nellist was an excellent Bob, and Frazer a convincing Collier, though not quite as cynical as James Bolam's TV character.

South Shields-born Sarah Lawton also gave ample support as both Thelma's friend Anthea and Bob's sexy secretary, Wendy.

The Likely Lads was given a 14-show run instead of the usual six for in-house productions.

It is showing until Saturday, June 21, and shows are selling out fast.
As the flyer promised, it was canny, kidda.