RESUMING its nationwide tour after a break, this company seems like a family; their familiarity with the show and each other makes for realistic dialogue, tight musical numbers and a memorable evening’s entertainment.

Jodie Prenger as Calam is a revelation; great stage presence and comic timing combined with a backwoodsy accent that never varies, even when singing. Her Secret Love is just beautiful, her distinctive voice trembling with happiness and disbelief, and she’s just as effective in the ensemble song and dance.

Tom Lister’s Wild Bill Hickok is laid-back and sexy, looking every inch the gunslinger in his frock coat and black hat, revealing an unexpected tenderness in a charming Higher Than a Hawk, simply delivered with a guitar accompaniment.

From the very beginning, when Hank wanders onto the stage, picks up a banjo and plays the first few notes, smiling all the while as we launch into singalonga Black Hills of Dakota, this show is warm and friendly, funny and touching. Everyone sings, dances and plays at least one instrument. The dancing is Seven Brides meets Riverdance and they make it look so easy and fun that it’s hard not to shout "Yee-hah!" and scramble on-stage to join in. The songs, of course, are well-loved and easy to hum on the way home as the audience exits, smiling, from the theatre. This is musical comedy at its very best, and I’d be happy to go along to see it again tonight.

Runs until Saturday (May 16, 2015). Box office: 01325-486555 or darlingtoncivic.co.uk