BLACKPOOL Grand Theatre is "In Celebration"! The restoration of the theatre's historic Matcham Auditorium will be commemorated with a unique programme of performances, talks and special events.

"In Celebration" is a series of events that aims to revive theatre traditions and celebrate the rich theatrical culture of Britain. It will feature the work of some of the country's leading theatre artistes, playwrights and entertainers.

The Grand hopes to focus on the work of those who have a particular association with Lancashire and with the Grand Theatre itself.

The first "In Celebration" event, 14 By 3, is the story of father and son Bill and Tom Owen and their involvement in BBC's Last Of The Summer Wine -- the world's longest running TV comedy series.

Bill played loveable rogue Compo in the series for 27 years. When he died in 1999 his real-life actor son joined the series, playing his long-lost son Tom Simmonite.

Tom Owen -- who is currently starring as Baron Hardup in the panto Cinderella at The Grand -- will present the moving tribute to his father, which includes songs written by Bill including Broken Hearted which was written for Ken Dodd and became a Number One single.

Tom said: "I'm delighted about the show as it gives me the opportunity to do something I've wanted to do since my father died.

"As Compo my father was well and truly honoured. But there was an enormous other side of him people don't know about, such as all his years of work in films and the theatre.

"And also I can tell the true story of Last Of The Summer Wine with Bill and Tom Owen.

"We didn't have a natural father and son relationship -- we were great friends and this event will also be very cathartic for me. It's very informal and everyone is welcome, so please come and enjoy."

14 By 3 will be at the Grand Theatre Studio on January 2, 3 and 4 at 11am. Future events include In Celebration of Gilbert and Sullivan, The Life of Noel Coward and The Music of Ivor Novello.

All the events will be accompanied by morning or afternoon tea and homemade cakes, which are included in the ticket price of £6.50 for one event or £22 for the series of four. For details phone the box office on (01253) 290190.