Hello Dolly, Darlington Operatic Society, Darlington Civic Theatre

ALL dolled up and as dazzling as ever, Darlington Operatic Society has done it again.

It manages every production with its own superb style and professionalism that, quite frankly, even the professionals don't often manage nowadays. Costumes are always stunning and a new upbeat overture by the orchestra sets a speedy pace before the curtain rises.

Maggie Thorpe bustles beautifully through the extravagant character of Mrs Dolly Levi, looking for a husband and determined to get one, she's the woman who "arranges" things.

She's certainly got a smashing voice.

I take my shoes off to the director's assistant, Joanne Hand for some inventive choreography. I loved the galloping waiters in the restaurant scene with wobbling cakes and some clever slapstick stuff.

I overheard one of the cast say he was dreading it. "It's the nightmare from hell," he said, but the results were a well-earned "wow!".

The story is a busy ramble through New York in the 1890s but it's made interesting and entertaining with great acting, dancing and singing.

There is one actor you certainly won't miss and that is Luke Jasztel as Barnaby. It says in the programme he's just 19, works for Orange and wants to be an actor.

He already is an actor and a jolly fine one at that and he may well be saying "bye-bye Orange, hello Emmerdale" very soon.

Great performances too from Warnock Kerr, John Parkin and Amanda Howson plus supporting cast. They all deserve a mention, but there's not enough space.

Helen Brown

Hello Dolly runs until Saturday, May 5. Performances at 7.15pm. Tickets: £7-£10.50 (discounts on some shows). Box Office: 01325 467017.