Actor, writer and director Brendan O’Carroll has struck comedy gold with his character Agnes Brown. She’s a creation that is part panto dame and part Les Dawson.

Bossy and foul-mouthed, this crazed Irish widow who possesses a rapier wit and a heart of gold is clearly loved by a multi-media audience.

First heard on radio in the Emerald Isle 20-odd years ago, she has enjoyed critical acclaim as the heroine of a series of books, TV shows worldwide and even a Hollywood film.

Now, following the huge success of BBC TV’s Mrs Brown’s Boys. O’Carroll has brought Brown and her wonderfully dysfunctional family to the live stage with a sell-out tour.

Currently playing three nights at the BIC, Good Mourning Mrs Brown is dressed like a sit-com but received like a cult comedy. It romps along telling the story of the chaotic Brown family.

There’s a bungling burglar, a love-lorn psychologist, a drunken doctor, a philandering detective, a sinful priest, a mega-camp gay son and granddad persuaded to fake his own funeral. There are also big screens beside the stage for those who want a close-up view of the action.

Yet however much the packed BIC audience (including veteran Slade frontman Noddy Holder) may have howled with laughter, the show didn’t bear close analysis.

A barrel of belly-laughs maybe, but this play is hardly a comedy classic.

Not that O’Carroll need worry. He’s already planning a follow up tour with Mrs Brown Rides Again. I can guarantee it’ll be packed.

*Good Mourning Mrs Brown plays the BIC until Saturday June 11.