THE side-splitting escapades of the Crazy Grang are being brought to life at Oldbury Rep.

Written by comedian Roy Hudd Underneath the Arches tells the story of Crazy Gang members Bud Flanagan and Chesney Allen.

The musical comedy brings an end to the Oldbury Rep's 75th anniversary and runs from Saturday until Saturday, July 12.

Oldbury Rep publicity officer Alan Wood said: "Written by comedian and Music Hall expert, Roy Hudd, ‘Underneath the Arches’ is filled with songs, sketches and nostalgia for a golden age and promises to end our 75th season on a high note."

He added: "The Crazy Gang were collectively the best loved bunch of pensioners ever to tread the boards, sing a song or raise a laugh.

"They first came together in 1931, a pair of slapstick artists , an acrobatic high-wire act and a couple of comics, Charlie Naughton and Jimmy Gold, Jimmy Nervo and Teddy Knox and of course Flanagan and Allen."

He added: "They were the most unlikely group of acts ever assembled on stage for a single show but by the time they made their final appearances at London’s Victoria Palace in 1962, they had topped the bill for over thirty years and had become a national institution."

Performances start at the Barlow Theatre at 7.30pm and there is a matinee performance on Saturday, July 12 at 2.30pm

For more information phone 0121 552 2761 or visit www.oldburyrep.org.

Tickets cost £9 with concessions at £8 and £7.