Stan is the man for fan Spike

He made his name as lovable comic Spike in Hi-de-Hi, now Jeffrey Holland is coming to Lancashire in the guise of one of the best-loved comics of the last century.

Jeffrey, who also appeared in You Rang M’Lord, will play Stan Laurel in ‘...and this is My Friend Mr Laurel’ at Thornton Little Theatre this autumn.

The one-man show, which is essentially about friendship, memories and a couple of remarkable lives, will be a treat for fans of the legendary double act, which Stan formed with Oliver Hardy back in 1927.

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From then until 1950, the duo appeared in 107 films – 32 short silent films, 40 short sound films and 23 full-length feature films.

Jeffrey co-wrote the touring show with writer Gail Louw.

The 68-year-old actor, who has loved Laurel and Hardy since he was a boy growing up in Walsall in the West Midlands, met his co-writer at just the right time.

While he was enthusing to her about his dreams of performing as Stan Laurel, she was looking for a play to write.

Based on Jeffrey’s own research into the subject, the playwright set to work.

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Set in the bedroom of a sick Oliver Hardy, the show takes place during Laurel’s visit to the dying man.

Recounting their past successes as the comedy double act Laurel and Hardy, this is a humorous and touching look at one of the great cinematic partnerships of the last century.

The show, which has 
attracted some excellent 
reviews, comes to Thornton Little Theatre on Thursday, October 15, beginning at 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £14 for adults and £12 for concessions. Call the box office on (01253) 887693.

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