The popular television series was a big hit but the stage version of ‘Allo ‘Allo has had audiences in Wolverhampton crying with laughter, its two main stars said today.

Walsall-born Jeffrey Holland and Vicki Michelle, who played Yvette in the original series, spoke to the Express & Star as they prepared for tonight’s performance of the show at the Grand Theatre.

The show follows the adventures of hapless cafe owner Rene as he struggles to keep a priceless portrait stolen by the Nazis hidden in his cellar. Jeffrey and Vicki said audiences in Wolverhampton had so far given it the big thumbs-up.

“It’s gone really well so far,” Vicki said. “The audiences have seemed to enjoy the show and at times you can hear people crying with laughter, but that’s because there is a laugh every few seconds, not just a minute.”

Jeffrey added: “The theatre has been packed and we’ve had a great reception.” The actor, who rose to fame after playing the camp comic Spike Dixon in Hi-de-Hi!, said it was lovely to be back in the Black Country. “I speak the language and it’s great fun here,” he said. “I still have family that live in the area so I have been visiting them.”

‘Allo ‘Allo is at the Grand until Saturday. Tickets are £9.50-£23.50.