A Vicar of Dibley Christmas

For any society to deliver a production based on one of TVs most loved sitcoms they need to have actors who are not only capable of acting but also delivering a performance which is as much like the original characters as possible.

When Andy Hibbert, therefore, set out to direct The Vicar of Dibley for Denys Edward Players, he knew exactly who he wanted in the various parts.

His first quest was to get somebody in the lead character of Geraldine Grainger, step up Joanne Ringrose who was perfect, she not only looked the part with the additions of a black bob-style wig, but she was also able to deliver her lines with the same characterisation as Dawn French did in the actual programme.

Of course, as we know, it is not only Geraldine Grainger who is in the programme, there were also a wealth of other characters who also needed to be believable to the audience.

Geraldine, The Vicar of Dibley, also has a Verger who can best be described as a little “dizzy” to say the least, Chrissy Lowry was superb in this part, she was able to bring this character to life as the one we all know and love. Not only did she have to deliver the lines, she also had to play Alice Horton as a pregnant lady who also delivers her baby in the village Nativity. This scene was hilarious, you may remember the scene for the nativity was Owen’s farmyard complete with shepherds, wise men and of course Archangel Gabrielle. This all culminated in the final scene with Alice giving birth to what she thought must have been the baby Jesus!

Alice’s husband, the equally “dizzy” Hugo Horton was in the more than capable hands of Marc Vestey who accepted the reigns to deliver an excellent character, he managed to get the right stance and gestures to portray the rather simple character of Hugo.

As we all know Hugo has a domineering father, the businessman and local Councillor, David Horton. Andy knew he had to get someone for this part who could act as the stern father and father-in-law to Hugo and Alice and he could not have done any better than putting Rob Calnan in this part as the pompous character.

Several of the scenes in this piece portray Dibley Radio which has a phone in, Geraldine is on-air when David phones in to discuss his daughter-in-law and saying he does not want her involved in the quiz which has been planned, Geraldine tries to tell him he is in fact on-air but David is too wrapped up in decrying Alice. Geraldine decides to take a rise out of David by asking about his haemorrhoids, totally unaware he is on the radio describes in detail about his piles and the pain they are causing him, it was so funny.

The other characters in this play are Jim Trott with his “no, no, no, yes” lines which we all expect, Jim was excellently portrayed by Michael Bullock who was hilarious especially in the nativity scene when he gives his costume to Geraldine to help in the delivery of Alice and Hugo’s baby, all I can say is well done Michael for agreeing to wear his alterative costume, you need to see it for yourself.

The part of Frank Pickles was given to Charles Ibberson who was able to get the most out of this somewhat boring character, again whilst in the studio of Radio Dibley when Frank is delivering his radio programme Frank tells “the world” he is gay. All the rest of the committee enter and congratulate him on a great programme but not mentioning his revelation, of course Geraldine suspects something so whilst Frank is out of the room asks if anyone actually listened to the programme, I think we all know their answers, another funny scene.

One larger than life character in this programme was of course Owen Newitt which calls for someone with exceptional comic timing and delivery of lines, step up Richard Bevan who was outstanding in this part, his voice, mannerisms and stance was exactly what was called for in this character. Another hilarious scene was the audition where the various characters tried out for their choices, Owen decided he wanted to be “The King”, however he decided on an alternative King, enter Owen dressed as Elvis Presley where he delivered a very revealing performance.

The final but by no means the smallest character in this piece is Letitia Copley who, as we all know loves to bake and knit, although her choice of ingredients in her cakes does make you question whether or not they will be enjoyable. Sue Cox was outstanding in this part even though she did not have many lines to deliver which in itself makes this quite a difficult part to play. When you have to sit on stage for a full scene but have only a few, if any lines to say it is easy for your mind to wander and forget where you are. I am pleased to say Sue did not do this but continued with her knitting and managed to deliver her lines at the right time.

Special mention must also go to the two children who took part in this play, Maisie Baxter and Connor Hibbert appeared in the audition scene singing as well as in the final scene in the stable as two angels, both acted and sang their respective parts really well.

I mentioned earlier to produce something which has been taken from a TV sitcom is not an easy task as with TV studios scenes can be stopped and started as and when the director is able, however on stage this is totally different and, in this case a split set had to be used with the vicar’s house on one side and the village hall on the other, both were excellent. As the scenes were played out stage lighting played a crucial part to the smooth running of the production, however this did work excellently and the transition between one scene and the next was superb.

Andy Hibbert must be congratulated on an excellent production and to everyone who played a part in this either on or off stage.

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