Steptoe and Son make a comeback in a new stage production at the South Shields Customs House

Steptoe and Son was a popular sitcom back in its day - based on the life rag and bone men Albert Steptoe and his son Harold who lived in the fictitious Oil Drum Lane.

Now the show has been given a new lease of life by John Hewer and Hambledon Productions, and is on its way to the Customs House in South Shields.

The stage production features three episodes including Divided We Stand with actors John Hewer and Jeremy Smith taking on the lead roles.

Ray Galton who wrote the sitcom alongside Alan Simpson, said: “The affection for the original shines through in this fine production.

“I’m delighted that the scripts and the characters continue to be cherished after all this time. The performances are marvellous.”

The comedy attracted viewing figures in excess of 28 million viewers and ran during the early 60s and 70s

It featured the story of a rag and bone man Albert, played by Wilfrid Brambell and his son Harold played by Harry H Corbett.

Hewer said: “I think Steptoe and Son has survived and continues to be loved because of two key factors; it’s still funny and it’s still relevant. The scripts are so rich, the scenarios still probable and the relationships and dialogue still true that we can still relate and connect to them and empathise and laugh with or at the characters.”

The show is on at the Customs House on April 22.

For tickets contact the box office on 454 1234 or visit www.customshouse.co.uk