REJOICE! DOS is here again, this time featuring the ladies in an entertaining story about a well-meaning would-be diva, Deloris van Cartier, who sees her gangster boyfriend commit a murder and, until she can testify against him, is hidden in a local convent.

As "Sister Mary Clarence" our feisty heroine transforms the convent choir, boosting the church congregation and saving the place from closure.

DOS has a growing pool of talent to choose from; there are no weak links in this cast, quite an achievement when you consider the disparate characters.

The key role of Deloris is taken, in alternate performances I believe, by sisters Rhiannon Williams and Claire Willmer. I’m fortunate enough to have seen both and there is little to choose between them for sheer vitality and razzmatazz. Not only brassy night club singer, but enthusiastic choirmistress and compassionate friend; the range is enormous, but both Rhiannon and Claire are right on the money, generating sympathy and affection in the audience, as well as a lot of laughter.

Beth Stobbart is appealing, too, as Sister Mary Robert who hasn’t yet taken her final vows and is dazzled by the very different aspects to life that Mary Clarence introduces. Mother Superior (Sam Morrison) is another strong player, bringing humour to her dismay at her unwanted guest and her impassioned prayers for deliverance.

The chaps do get a look in, with Michael Hurst as lovelorn policeman Eddie and Julian Cound as gangster Curtis, and there's a comedy trio of Andrew Hamilton, Leighton Taylor and Ben Connor.

Runs until Saturday, November 1. Box Office: 01325-486555 or darlingtoncivic.co.uk

Sue Heath