A BRAND-new stage adaptation of the hit British TV sitcom Allo Allo is coming to the stage of the Alban Arena next week. The new production, set in occupied France during World War Two, follows the hapless French caf� owner Rene as he and his wife Edith

A BRAND-new stage adaptation of the hit British TV sitcom 'Allo 'Allo is coming to the stage of the Alban Arena next week.

The new production, set in occupied France during World War Two, follows the hapless French caf� owner Rene as he and his wife Edith struggle to hide the priceless portrait, the Fallen Madonna with ze Big Boobies, stolen by the Nazis and hidden in a sausage in their cellar.

Adding to Rene's woes, the French Resistance force him to aid their persistent attempts to return two bumbling British airmen to England while simultaneously trying to keep his long-running affairs with his two waitresses from his wife.

Created for the BBC by David Croft and Jeremy Lloyd, 'Allo 'Allo aired between 1982 and 1992 and comprised 85 episodes which were filmed in a courtyard at Lynford Hall in Norfolk.

Alongside the television series, the show gave rise to an equally successful stage show which performed three London runs at the Palladium as well as international tours.

While Nazi-occupied France may not have seemed a likely topic of humour, the show's premise was not to make fun of the war but to spoof war-based film and TV dramas - particularly BBC 1 drama Secret Army.

The tour follows a special one-off episode marking the 25th anniversary of the show released last year, entitled The Return of 'Allo 'Allo in which several of the original cast took roles.

The cast of 16 in next week's show will be led by Hi-de-Hi's Jeffrey Holland in Gordon Kaye's role of Rene and original series member Vicki Michelle, who will don her French waitress costume once more in the role of Yvette. Ed O'Driscoll, producer of the new show, said: "This is a real 'feel good' production and we're delighted with the excitement we're already causing at venues across the UK - I honestly think people just want to forget their problems for a couple of hours and have a damn good laugh!"

The show starts on Monday and all opening night tickets are �15. Tickets for the Thursday and Saturday matinees are �17.50 with concessions �2.50 off, and for Monday to Thursday and Saturday evenings, they are �22.50, �19.50 and �17.50 with concessions �2.50 off the top two prices. There is no show on Friday. Further information and tickets from the Arena box office on 01727 844488.