AMAZINGLY, it’s 32 years since the last series of prison-based comedy Porridge was first shown on our screens.

But the laughs are as fresh as ever, as quite probably the best sitcom ever made is brought back to hilarious life for the stage.

With the original writers reworking their original scripts, this runs like a “Porridge greatest hits”, and chances are you’ll remember the punchlines long before they arrive.

But that’s half the fun, however, as are the note-perfect reconstructions of the original’s characters.

Nicholas Lumley’s MacKay, all tics and twitches, is a particular highlight, while John Conroy’s deadpan Barrowclough gets some of the loudest laughs.

The story follows newly-convicted Godber (Daniel West, uncannily reminiscent of the late, great Richard Beckinsale) as he struggles to survive in HM Prison Slade, under the tutelage of experienced old lag Fletcher (Shaun Williamson).

Of course, no one can ever match Ronnie Barker’s performance in the role, but Williamson gets nearer than probably anyone else could manage, recapturing the mannerisms and timing without ever coming across as a cheap imitation.

He cheerfully carries the production with the confident enthusiasm of a man who knows he’s got one of the best roles in British comedy.

There’s little here that’s actually new, but when the original was so good, why tamper?