The Best of Joyce Grenfell, Stag Theatre, London Road, Sevenoaks, Jan 31, 7.30pm, £12/£10, 01732 450175

Fans of post-war English comedy are in for a nostalgic treat. Comedienne Maria Gibbs has taken up the challenge of recreating the UK's queen of comic monologues, Joyce Grenfell, performing her best-loved sketches live on stage.

Grenfell provided the British public with an alternative to the endless double entendres of the Carry On genre which dominated the British comedy scene throughout the 1960s.

Her appearances on television were less frequent but equally appreciated. She played the gawky police officer in St Trinians, a series of films about a riotous boarding school for girls.

But it was on the stage where Grenfell really excelled, with her sketches, monologues and songs.

Now, Gibbs is striving to recreate the glory days of her heroine in a show called The Best of Joyce Grenfell. But she is adamant her show is not a revival because the comedian is still popular today. In fact, a biography of Grenfell's life by Jamie Hampton recently won the Daily Mail's Book of the Month competition.

Gibbs said: "Grenfell's humour is the kind which never offends. People will always find her jokes amusing, gentle and light."

The actress has noticed the UK dates have been popular with schoolteachers.

"I think this is because teachers see themselves in many of Grenfell's characters. The Nursery School sketch and the Old Girls' Reunion always get a cheer."

Gibbs' own comedy career began in holiday camps around Britain where she sang and acted. Even then, she was open about her admiration for Grenfell so much so she earned the nick name "Joycie".

"I've always wanted to perform Joyce Grenfell sketches," said Gibbs. "I believe I'm quite similar to Joyce in many ways. We are both blessed with rubbery faces and her character fits mine down to a tee!"

Grenfell died of eye cancer in 1979 at the age of 69. She had finished her autobiography just two years before. In it she described her faith in Christian Science.

Gibbs believes her death was avoidable. She said: "Christian Science means you won't be operated on. Joyce developed an eye cancer but refused to have it removed. She insisted on dying the natural way."

So what does the future hold for the comedienne's number one fan? "There has been talk of extending the tour and when it finished I may take on the persona of another great actor or comedian!"

Take a step back in time and go see the innocent comedy of Grenfell performed on stage again.