Before leaving to return to the states, Bill Bryson (played by Steve Steen) insisted on taking one last trip around Britain. He travelled around mainland Britain using public transport for seven weeks.

From Dover to John O’Groats, taking in places like Milton Keynes and Weston-Super-Mare, Bill Bryson takes stock of the nation’s public face and private (as it were). He analyses what it is he loves so much about this country that he lived in it for 20 years.

Steve Steen as Bill Bryson

What is it about people that say ‘musn’t grumble’ and things like beans on toast, stinging nettles, seaside piers and drizzly Sundays? Why is it that a cup of tea and a teacake can instil such happiness in British people?

'Notes From A Small Island' is a whistle stop tour of Britain and the British - meeting 68 characters along the way including: Mrs Smegma, The Dover B&B’s landlady, Cyril, the Welsh train enthusiast and the Vodaphone Man on a delayed train.

Watching 'Notes from a Small Island' might just make you feel better about living here in Britain!

This is still the best country to post a letter, watch television, buy a book, venture out for a drink, use the bank, get lost, seek help – or stand on a hillside and take in a view.

Quote from the show

Bryson says: "This is still the best country to post a letter, watch television, buy a book, venture out for a drink, use the bank, get lost, seek help – or stand on a hillside and take in a view."

The play is adapted for the stage and directed by Paul Hodson and Steve Steen (Whose Line Is It Anyway, Comedy Store Players).

Steve Steen has recently finished a successful tour of Danny’s Wake with Jim Sweeney (Edinburgh Fringe First Winner 1999) and has just starred in Paul Merton’s directorial debut short film The Suicide Dog, which was released late last year.

Paul Hodson’s most recent work includes the stage adaptation of Fever Pitch by Nick Hornby and is he currently lead writer for Sky TV’s youth drama series Dream Team.

You can see Notes from a Small Island at the Wolverhampton Arena Theatre on Wednesday 5th February at 7.30pm. Tickets are: £8.00/£6.00.

If you go to the show, why not send in your own review. Just e-mail the team at blackcountry@bbc.co.uk