Comedian Cooper to star in Likely Lads stage adaption.

Cooper (left) with Sean Mason | Whatever Happened to The Likely Lads?

[pullquote_right]”1973. Before social networking, Facebook and mobile phones, Northern men sat in pubs and talked about work, woman and the difficulties of modern life. Bob Ferris and Terry Collier are two such men. Having lost touch for five years, decommissioned Terry returns home to Newcastle and is reacquainted with his old school mate. Bob has a new house, a second car, an impending wedding to his beloved Thelma and a bright future. For jobless Terry the only thing to look forward to is the past. Despite their new circumstances, they are still best of mates; Bob & Terry are the original Northern bromance.”[/pullquote_right]

Comedian John Cooper is set to star in a stage adaption of 1970s sitcom Whatever Happened to The Likely Lads?

Recreating two classic episodes (‘Strangers on a Train’ and ‘Boys Night In’) at Manchester’s Lass O’Gowrie, Cooper and pal Sean Mason play the roles of Terry Collier (James Bolam in the television series) and Bob Ferris respectively.

Cooper, who was born in Sunderland in the 1970s and naturally has an affection for the role, said: “Watching the original series back now, there’s many themes in it that still ring true today. There’s actually a lot in the script.

“We’re not trying to re-create the Bolam/Bewes television version, as that stands alone. Also we’re not updating it like Ant and Dec did few years back.  Instead we’ve gone back to the original script to take a fresh look – it really is the original bromance”.

The production, which runs 5th – 10th June, got the green light after Likely Lads creator Dick Clement gave his blessing for a stage adaption. It is the latest in a series of classic and lesser known comedy plays at The Lass O’Gowrie.

Tasked with bringing the series to the stage, director Brainne Edge said: “I wanted to make sure we had two strong performers in the lead roles, and the fact that John and Sean were also best friends in real life was a huge bonus. The interplay between these characters holds the piece together.”

She added: “It’s funny, it’s touching, and it’s Northern!”

Whatever Happened to The Likely Lads? runs 5th – 10th June at The Lass O’Gowrie in Manchester. Tickets are priced at £6. For further information see: www.whateverhappenedtothelikelylads.co.uk