IT may seem far-fetched that two ex vaudeville partners should refuse to speak to each other for more than 11 years, but Willie Clerk and Al Lewis have done just that in The Sunshine Boys at Bolton Little Theatre.

The two elderly showmen are persuaded to resurrect their act for a TV special.

Unfortunately, their clashing personalities frustrate the attempts of well-meaning family friends at every turn. Although Neil Simon's play is a well known stage classic it has been given a new twist by director Steve Gill who has cast Sylvia Hills as Beth, Willie Clerk's long suffering niece.

Steve said: "In the stage play, the part is that of Ben his nephew, but after seeing how Sarah Jessica Parker played the part on film with Woody Allen and Peter Falk I decided to give the play the feminine touch." Retired teachers Mike Tatman and Ernest Dawson take the parts of the aged double act, and are joined by Margau Wright, Stacey Callendine, Paul Webster and Glenn Robinson.

The play runs from Saturday (Nov 26) until December 3.

Tickets are available from the Albert Halls sales office on 01204 334400 or from the theatre box office on performance dates.