COMEDY FANS will be able to enjoy a nostalgic show as a classic 1960s radio comedy returns to the stage.

BBC sketch comedy Round The Horne was first broadcast 55 years ago, but remains popular - with a production of the show by The Apollo Theatre Company now on its fifth UK tour, including a show at the Theatre Royal in Brighton.

The production transports the audience back to the 60s and the boisterous atmosphere of the BBC's Paris Theatre during recordings of the programme, complete with a live band and live sound effects.

Created with the blessing and support of the estates of the show's writers, Barry Took and Marty Feldman, director Tim Astley has hand-picked a selection of the greatest sketches and songs from the show's original 67 episodes.

  • READ MORE: Special events announced at Theatre Royal Brighton this month

Mr Astley said: "I was born 20 years after Round The Horne aired its final episode and discovered it for the first time as a teenager.

"Even at a young age, I could tell that this show was special. Barry and Marty were so clever in the way they wrote it that it really did have something for everyone.

"On one level you have the big, over-the-top characters and ridiculous scenarios, on the other, the wonderful wordplay and innuendo.

"I listen back to the shows now and finally understand some of the cleverer and ruder jokes I missed at first listen. It really is a timeless comedy show and it's an absolute joy to be able to perform these brilliant sketches live to fans young and old."

Mr Astley, and the Theatre Royal Brighton will support Brighton-based HIV charity The Sussex Beacon on the evening, with a bucket collection taking place after the show.

Executive director of The Sussex Beacon Bill Puddicombe said: "We are very grateful to The Apollo Theatre Company and Theatre Royal Brighton, for their support of The Sussex Beacon.

"Collections at events such as the staging of Round The Horne enable us to raise much needed funds, assisting our essential work with people living with HIV."

Round The Horne will come to Brighton on January 31 and White Rock in Hastings on February 1, with tickets available through their respective websites.

Over its four series of weekly episodes, the show drew 15 million listeners per week and featured comedy stars including Kenneth Williams, Hugh Paddick and Betty Marsden.

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