DURHAM Musical Theatre Company's version of the Frank Loesser Broadway musical is a show bursting with sin, gambling and more than a smattering of crap games. There is plenty of talent on show from an experienced cast performing the company's 110th production.

Accolades are deserved for all aspects of the performance, but the biggest bouquets are for the dance routines. The show culminates in the dancers leading the entire cast in a spectacular tap dancing finale, dressed in bright, shimmering costumes, to bring a glamorous and glittery end to a hugely enjoyable show.

The stupendous choreography of Janet Dixon and Kathleen Knox should not overshadow the singing, namely female joint lead Erin Wright, as do-gooder Sarah Brown, trying to make the Broadway populace repent its sins. Comical moments also feature as the American-born actress plays a flawless first-time drunk, and her duet with Delia McNally, Miss Adelaide, is memorable.

McNally, a company regular, successfully maintains her screeching voice and elaborate gestures throughout the spectacle. Other notable performances are from the male lead, Anthony Smith, as an entertaining Nathan Detroit, and Clark Adamson, as Sky Masterson, the notorious gambler who is reformed by the efforts of Miss Brown.

An appreciative audience reached a crescendo at the climax to a production which is another feather in the cap for the long-standing local theatre company.

It is also a fitting swansong for veteran musical director, George Hetherington, who hangs up his baton after tonight's final curtain following 40 years with the company.

* Ends today. Box office: 0191-332 4041.

Published: 12/02/2005