Curtain up on The History Boys at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

The show, starring Walsall-born Jeffrey Holland, of Hi-de-Hi! fame, is a being produced in-house by the theatre.

The adaptation, which opened last night, is being directed by former EastEnder Jack Ryder, who has also appeared in BBC hospital drama Holby City, as surgeon Ewan Crowhurst.

Theatre chief executive and artistic director Adrian Jackson said: "It is a hugely exciting week for us as we open our third in-house production at Wolverhampton Grand.

"In 2017, we reignited the Grand Theatre’s proud producing history to make productions that are exclusive to Wolverhampton, something unique and very special for our audiences to enjoy.

"We have spent three incredibly enjoyable weeks rehearsing the play with a brilliant cast and creative team, we’re really looking forward to welcoming our first audiences this weekend."

Set in the early 1980s, the play follows a group of history pupils preparing for the Oxford and Cambridge entrance exams under the guidance of three teachers including Hector, whose character Bennett modelled on the author and Shrewsbury schoolmaster Frank McEachran who also had Wolverhampton links.

Holland is the headmaster, Ian Redford is Hector, Victoria Carling is Mrs Lintott and Lee Comley is Irwin.

The cast is completed by Thomas Grant as Posner, Jordan Scowen as Dakin, Frazer Hadfield as Scripps, Joe Wiltshire Smith as Rudge, James Schofield as Lockwood, Arun Bassi as Akthar, Dominic Treacy as Timms and Adonis Jenieco as Crowther.

The History Boys runs until February 22.

Book tickets at the box office on 01902 429212 or visit grandtheatre.co.uk