Lambeth Walk and The Sun Has Got His Hat On will be ringing out at Wolverhampton’s Grand Theatre tonight when the curtain goes up on classic Cockney musical Me And My Girl.

Ticket sales have already raked in £42,500, with thousands people set to watch Bilston Operatic Company tread the boards this week.

The talented company has been staging an annual production for the past 81 years and has been performing at the Grand since 1958 following the closure of its old base, the Theatre Royal in Bilston.

Me And My Girl tells the tale of East End lad Bill Snibson who inherits a fortune and his Cockney sparrow girlfriend Sally. Taking the role of Bill is events officer Simon Pugh, aged 37, of Linton Road, Penn.

He said: “It’s the third time I’ve played the part – it’s just a great comedy role. Bill’s one of the best.

“The great thing about this is its local people performing in their local theatre and the Grand is one of the best in the country as well.”

Playing the part of the title’s “My Girl” is 16-year-old Georgia Evans as Sally Smith. The Walsall Academy pupil has been with Bilston Operatic Company for three years.

Georgia, of Hollowcroft Road, Coppice Farm, said: “It’s really difficult to pick a favourite part, it’s such a good show.” Chris Frost from Pattingham is playing the very well to do Sir John Tremayne.

Mr Frost, of West Beech Road, said: “He’s nothing like me, he’s terribly terribly posh. We all just enjoy the camaraderie.”

For Dave Hayward of Stroud Avenue, Willenhall. His role as Gerald will be his first with the society.

Playing one of the Cockney dancers is junior school teacher Kelly Ashman.

The show runs until Saturday and starts at 7.30pm, with 2.30pm matinees tomorrow and Saturday. Tickets cost from £5.