Marking 60 years since the very first broadcast, a new production of a classic BBC TV comedy is being performed at The Met on Sunday.

The production of Steptoe and Son will see Jeremy Smith as Albert Steptoe and John Hewer as his son, Harold.

In this latest adaptation, which will take place at the Bury theatre at 7.30pm, three classic episodes are being presented in a radio play.

John Hewer, who will play the role of Harold, said: “The attraction is that these vintage stories will be presented with the emphasis now squarely on the script, and the dynamism between the central characters.

“It’s a different theatricality. We’re still in costume and ‘in character’, but this time it’s a mock-up of a live studio recording, with its flashing ‘applause’ lights and direct addresses from the performers make the audience feel directly involved.

Bury Times: Cast of Steptoe and Son Cast of Steptoe and Son (Image: Press release)

“The three chosen episodes are, Is That Your Horse Outside?, A Death in the Family, and Upstairs, Downstairs, Upstairs, Downstairs.

“This will easily familiarise and reacquaint the audience to the Steptoe saga, allowing them to explore all the foibles and tropes of this most iconic father and son pairing.”

The programme ran for eight series from 1962 to 1974, spawned two film spin-offs and has been fondly remembered as one of the greatest and most influential programmes.

It tells the story of two warring rag-and-bone men in their Shepherd’s Bush scrapyard home, Albert and Harold, who became household favourites.

Bury Times: Poster for Steptoe and Son Poster for Steptoe and Son (Image: Press release)

One proclaims he’s “a poor old man” while the other protests that actually he’s “a dirty old man!” when in actual fact, both are telling the truth.

Both performers starred in the 2017 to 2018 UK tour of “Steptoe and Son” and the 2019 to 2021 “Christmas with Steptoe and Son”. 

Actor 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.

John Hewer works as a writer and director, but is best known for his iconic portrayal of Tommy Cooper in the UK’s number one tribute show, “Just Like That! The Tommy Cooper Show”, and for his performance as Tony Hancock in “Hancock’s Half Hour – The Lost Episodes”.

The Steptoe and Son Radio Show is produced by Hambledon Productions and Apollo Theatre Company and the play is said to be suitable for the ages of 12 and up.

Tickets for the event are on sale for £17 and the performance will take place on Sunday, October 9, at 7.30pm.

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