A WORLD premiere of a comedy classic is to make the leap from York to the West End.

York Theatre Royal's production of Steptoe & Son In Murder At Oil Drum Lane is to transfer to London next month.

Ray Galton and John Antrobus's stage version of Galton & Simpson's television comedy will open at the capital's Comedy Theatre on February 16 for a limited nine-week run.

Harry Dickman and Jake Nightingale will reprise their roles as Albert and Harold in Roger Smith's production.

Dan Bates, the Theatre Royal's chief executive, said: "We're delighted that Steptoe & Son in Murder At Oil Drum Lane is to transfer to the West End. It's great news for the city of York and for the theatre staff, who have once again put in an amazing amount of work throughout the year to produce a high standard of theatre acclaimed around the country."

In Galton and Antrobus's play, the Steptoe house in Oil Drum Lane is now in the safe hands of the National Trust as the last remaining example of a typical totters' yard. Late one afternoon, a lone figure arrives at the house, but who is he and why has he such an interest in the house of the former rag-and-bone men? All will be revealed about a certain murder that took place there some 30 years earlier.

The reunion of Steptoe & Son ran in York from October 24 to November 12 last year, receiving four-star reviews in The Times and The Independent, if a less enthusiastic verdict in the Evening Press, whose review suggested the play needed further attention from the writers.

Tickets for the Comedy Theatre run cost £15 to £35, and are available on 0870 060 6637.

Updated: 10:39 Monday, January 16, 2006