By the same writers as the TV sitcom, 'Allo 'Allo is of course a stage adaptation of the classic original. Everything's here: the dodgy accents, the outrageous national stereotypes, the dialogue thick with double entendre, the clichéd accordion music at the start.

It's really semi-farce so it represents a formidable undertaking for any company; there are challenges to do with pace, timing and scene-changing. And it calls for a relatively large cast. West Bridgford Dramatic Society (director Chris Robinson) deliver, overall, a successful production at the Studio Theatre.

Richard Young, as the seedily put-upon but randy René, presides over the chaos very nicely. Andy Bakewell, over-loaded with medals and vanity as Captain Bertorelli, carries his stage Italian accent as well as his medals valiantly. The scene he shares with Helga (Coralie Farmer) at the pictures is a highlight. Jerome Foley, as Officer Crabtree with his brilliantly mangled vowels achieves some of the best innuendo-generated laughs.

Rob Dakin, as local Gestapo man Flick, nasty but bungling, not only does the bits in leather overcoat and swastika-trimmed underpants well; in disguise he looks convincing as (a decidedly post-Stalingrad) Hitler. He's good on the violin with Falling in Love Again.

The all-important café set is realistic and unfussy. Costumes and the sometimes tricksy props - a parrot which is really a radio, etc - are splendid.

There was a problem with pace here and there before the interval but presumably this will be put right during what will surely be a successful run.

Alan Geary