DARLINGTON Operatic Society may be an amateur group, but its standards are so high it ranks close to the professional.

The Producers – from the classic Mel Brooks film – is a satire, a tricky genre to do well, but DOS pulls it off with style, glamour, marvellous singing and spot-on comic timing. This is an outstanding show, hugely entertaining, full of verve and deserving of plaudits at every level.

Bringing in a professional director and choreographer, Martyn Knight, to act at the helm has clearly been crucial, but having a large cast of mostly young and versatile singers and dancers – many presumably honed by stage and drama school experience – is a bonus. Comprising all shapes, sizes and heights, they are a great boost to the comedy.

The main character parts are all superlatively performed, with Ken Horsley, an experienced musical lead, bringing knowing impishness to the role of Max Bialystock, a down-onhis- luck impresario prompted into a moneymaking scam that depends on producing a Broadway musical so bad it will be an immediate flop.

Dan Brookes is splendidly over-the top as his timid partner-in-crime Leo Bloom, and comically love struck in admiration for the Swedish actress Ulla, played with saucy cheek by Claire Willmer, who has a richly-toned singing voice.

In camp send-up mode, Julian Cound, as the gay Roger deBris, and Chris Kelly, as his friend, Carmen, are an absolute joy.

Paul Mason is equally funny as Hitler fanatic Franz, and his mechanical performing pigeons are a hoot.

All the numbers are wellsung under the musical direction of Michael Trotter, not least those involving the Old Ladies choral line-up.

No expense has been spared on sets and scenery, including an overhead mirror to show the swastika formation of one of the dance routines, nor the costumes, making the show visually stunning, too.

Final performances today and tomorrow.