Tom goes on stage to tell dad's tale

Apr 8 2002 By Jenny Parkin, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Tom Owen: One man show

LAST Of The Summer Wine star Tom Owen is to tell all about his late father, Bill - on stage.

He performs a one-man show for three nights in June at Crag-Rats Theatre in Holmfirth.

The show, 14 By 3, is based on the life and career of Bill, who played Compo in the comedy series for 27 years, and Tom.

It also reveals how Last Of The Summer Wine kept the pair together even after Bill's death.

When Tom was asked to join the show, television history was made.

Never before had a real-life son of an actor gone into the same series playing his father's fictional son.

Tom said: "It was the most daunting situation I have ever had to face.

"But now things have settled down and I hope that our viewers accept me as part of the team and a character in my own right.

"The cast and crew have been wonderful and Compo remains with us, if only in spirit."

Set in the Holme Valley, Last Of The Summer Wine is an international success, with fans travelling from all over the world to visit the sites and countryside shown in the stories.

Tom performs his show on June 20, 21 and 22. It covers Bill's 60-year stage, film and TV career and revives songs that he wrote - including a No1 hit for Ken Dodd.

* Tickets are £7.50 for adults (£6.50 concessions). They are available from CragRats on 01484 686451 or Holmfirth Tourist Information on 01484 222444.