THE classic BBC TV comedy Steptoe and Son is being brought back to life on stage.

The sitcom has been adapted for the stage by John Hewer, of Hambledon Productions, for a UK tour, which ends at The Customs House, in South Shields, on Sunday.

Northumbria University graduate John stars as Harold Steptoe alongside Jeremy Smith as his father, Albert, in roles made famous by Wilfrid Bramble and Harry H Corbett in the original programme, which was first broadcast 56 years ago.

The production has been endorsed and supported by the original writers, Ray Galton and Alan Simpson. Hambledon Productions was 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, whose writing partnership with Alan Simpson spanned more than 60 years, said: “The affection for the original shines through in this fine production. The performances are marvellous.”

The show features the classic episodes Divided We Stand, Men of Letters and Come Dancing, as well as excerpts from The Bath and Steptoe and Son - and Son.

Steptoe and Son ran for eight series between 1962 and 1974 and spawned two film spin-offs and several guest appearances and is fondly remembered as one of the greatest and most influential programmes of its era.

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 and still they continue to entertain audiences today.

John works as a writer and director and has also portrayed comedians Tommy Cooper and Tony Hancock in previous Hambledon Productions shows.

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

Steptoe and Son starts at 7.30pm on Sunday and is suitable for ages 12 and over.

Tickets, priced from £15, are available from the box office on 0191-454 1234 or online at www.customshouse.co.uk.