JUDITH Standing forsook her usual position as musical director to take the title part in this happy musical, handing over her baton to Tim Hackett. Claire Worboys also stepped over the footlights, as director and choreographer.

When I say Judith appeared at ease in the role as the meddling Dolly Levi, who is mainly known as a matchmaker, I am not implying that she is anything like Dolly, merely that she acted the part so well - although her voice is too good for the songs.

I have to make one criticism, echoed by many people in the audience. It was difficult to hear Judith, and others, especially when singing the lower register, as there were no microphones. This also sometimes made it difficult to hear all the dialogue.

Jonathan Darby as ever was brilliant as Horace Vandegelder, and there were two new "stars" - David Lewis and Judith's son, Paul Standing, as Cornelius and Barnaby respectively. They were a delight, so enthusiastic, and competent, though not outstanding, singers.

The first half was somewhat lack-lustre, though everyone seemed to relax more by the interval.

The second half was better, the highlight being the scene in the Harmonia Gardens Restaurant, where general mayhem ruled, with spot-on timing by all involved.

I enjoyed my re-aquaintance with Dolly, but they did need a microphone. VJS