26 May 2011Last updated at 16:53

In pictures: The Likely Lads revisited in Tynemouth

Rodney Bewes (Bob) and James Bolam (Terry) in the first episode of Whatever happened to the Likely Lads, 1965. © BBC

Forty six years after The Likely Lads appeared on BBC television its writers have, for the first time, given permission for an amateur stage production of the series, performed by Tynemouth Priory Theatre on North Tyneside.

Ian La Frenais and Dick Clement in 1997. © BBC

Ian La Frenais and Dick Clement brought the mismatched Geordie friends Terry Collier and Bob Ferris to the screens in 1965. Tynemouth Priory Theatre concentrated on the later series, Whatever happened to the Likely Lads, distilling 26 episodes broadcast in 1973 and 1974 into one, three hour show.

James Bolam and Rodney Bewes in Whatever happened to the Likely Lads 1964. © BBC

In the first episode of the Likely Lads, Entente Cordiale, Terry (James Bolam) and Bob (Rodney Bewes) return from Spain, their first holiday abroad. Tynemouth Priory Theatre director, David Cosgrove, said: "The Likely Lads marked a revolution - there were no other programmes set on Tyneside when it was first broadcast."

In 1973 the new series, Whatever happened to the Likely Lads, began with Terry and Bob meeting by accident on a train after five years apart. This was the starting point for the stage production. Mr Cosgrove, said: "We really can't thank Ian La Frenais and Dick Clement enough for granting [us] the first non-professional rights."

Wendy Richard (Lynn), James Bolam (Terry), Rodney Bewes (Bob) and Wanda Ventham (Angela) in Whatever happened to the Likely Lads. Series 2, Episode 4, 1965. © BBC

The Likely Lads showcased a number of now famous guest stars. By the time she appeared in the second series in 1965, Wendy Richard was already well-known despite being only 21 years old. Other well known guest stars included Nerys Hughes, Susan Jameson and George Layton.

James Bolam and Rodney Bewes in Whatever happened to the Likely Lads 1972. © BBC

Brendan Egan, who plays Terry for Tynemouth Priory Theatre, said: "Bob and Terry were like real people, the sort of lads you might meet down the pub on a night out in Newcastle."

Brigit Forsyth (Thelma) and Rodney Bewes (Bob) in Whatever happened to the Likely Lads in 1974. © BBC

The second series of Whatever happened to the Likely Lads begins with Bob and Thelma (Brigit Forsyth) on honeymoon. The series was re-written for the stage in 2009 but at the time, only professional productions were permitted.

As The Likely Lads Christmas special aired in 1974, the Tyneside Priory Theatre was already 28 years old. The company had moved into their current premises on Priory Street, Tynemouth two years earlier.

Tyne & Wear

In pictures: The Likely Lads revisited in Tynemouth

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