Neil said: "It's been well-received. There were a few first-night nerves and a few mishaps, but most of the cast are experienced enough to cover it up.

"The first night was a bit hit and miss but the second night was better."

Neil relished the chance to play one of his comedy heroes.

He said: "It's my first lead role. If ever I was going to do a lead, then this is it.

"It was a daunting role to take on. It's physically challenging because Basil shouts so much, there's a lot of dialogue and of course there's that silly walk."

He added: "I grew up watching Fawlty Towers so I'm very familiar with the episodes. You still hear the show's catchphrases on an almost daily basis. 'Don't mention the war' and 'I'm going to give you a damn good thrashing' are quoted regularly."

To ensure he captured Basil's mannerisms as closely as possible Neil immersed himself in Fawlty Towers, watching the episodes repeatedly on DVD and listening to the CD in the car to and from work.