It is never easy to translate a well-known and loved television comedy into a successful stage production.

But Blackwood Little Theatre managed just that last year with their wonderful adaptation of Fawlty Towers and I was very interested to see if they would achieve the same high standards with the Vicar of Dibley.

Not being very familiar with this particular series, I went along not knowing if I would 'get' the show - but any fears on that score were dispelled within the first few minutes.

From the moment the parish council meet in the church hall, and realise that their new vicar is actually a woman, the laughs come thick and fast in this show so slickly directed by Neil Maidman.

There are some really professional and well-rehearsed performances with no weak links. Graham J. Evans is splendid as the officious David Horton, chair of the parish council, who initially leads the protest against a woman vicar, while Peta Maidman is spot on as as Rev Geraldine Granger with her slightly irreverent way of talking and David Livingstone really funny as the sexist farmer Owen Newitt, who tries aimlessly to win her affections.

Shelley Bethan Morgan and Matthew Oliver, as the young couple Alice and Hugo, are also hilarious as they bumble their way through their courtship encouraged by the vicar.

It is great to see several members of the theatre's Younger Generation Group taking part, singing the familiar version of The Lord is My Shepherd at both beginning and end, and also confidently participating in a very comic scene with the vicar.

Costume, setting and music are all also exactly right, just as you would expect from this talented group.

The show runs until Saturday but tickets are now sold out.