IT was comedy gold when Dudley Little Theatre brought classic sitcom Fawlty Towers to life in Netherton.

The 1970s series starring John Cleese as rude hotelier Basil Fawlty is widely considered one of the best TV comedies of all time, so it takes a brave director to attempt to recreate the legendary laugh-a-minute shows on stage.

But the courage of director Prue Warne, assisted by Maurice Felton, paid off and DLT's dramatisation of popular episodes The Hotel Inspector, Communication Problems and Waldorf Salad produced some of the funniest and most authentic comedy moments I've seen on the Black Country theatre circuit.

James Silvers was on fire as henpecked hotel owner Basil Fawlty. The seasoned amateur stage star had the madcap character's mannerisms, timing and sarcastic wit down to a T - proving comedy really is what he does best.

Starring opposite him was Rebecca Clee who gave a fantastic and flawless performance as Basil's overbearing wife Sybil (played on TV by Prunella Scales). Her accent and intonation were just perfectly replicated, as was the character's silly laugh.

Equally Julie Bywater's depiction of waitress and Basil's partner in crime Polly (Connie Booth) was also brilliant.

But it was Garry McWilliams who gave the performance of his life as ditzy Spanish waiter Manuel (played famously by Andrew Sachs).

He must have spent hours perfecting the role - which raised repeated rip-roaring laughs - as his gestures, body language and delivery of classic lines such as "I know nothing" were just spot on.

Dave Hutchins, complete with fake grey hair and beard, also shone as the crusty old Major.

Jenny Pearson was also a delight to watch as cantankerous and hard of hearing guest Mrs Richards in Communication Problems - and Tony Stamp was the perfect incarnation of irate American guest Mr Hamilton in the classic episode Waldorf Salad. His accent, image, delivery and coming timing were impeccable.

Chris Ridgeway and Sue Hughes as old ladies Miss Gatsby and Miss Tibbs also added to the authenticity of the production and Andy Rock as spoon seller Mr Hutchinson in The Hotel Inspector also entertained.

The set was also almost a perfect replica of the one seen in the hit BBC show and it worked as effectively with the action as its TV predecessor.

It was an absolute delight to see Black Country talent taking on and bringing to life with such dynamism one of Britain's most adored TV comedies. I barely stopped laughing throughout the three full-length episodes staged at Netherton Arts Centre.

Keep up the good work!