A Vicar of Dibley Christmas - The Second Coming

When Alice returns from her honeymoon, she begins putting on weight and turns to Geraldine for advice - only to reveal she’s pregnant! Meanwhile, after juggling the chaos of a village quiz and a week of Radio Dibley, Geraldine is surprised when Alice comes up with a genuinely good idea... Why not put on a Nativity play? Why not indeed! What can possibly go wrong?

The stage design was thoughtfully planned, creating two distinct and engaging areas: the Parish Hall, with its table and chairs for meetings, and Geraldine’s cozy sitting room at the Vicarage, complete with a settee, fireplace, telephone, and a framed picture of God.

The sound and lighting were well managed, with effects that enhanced the atmosphere and seamlessly supported the on-stage action without overpowering it. The use of blackouts between scenes worked well overall, allowing for costume changes and scene adjustments. To further enhance the performance’s flow, slightly shorter blackouts could help maintain the momentum and keep the audience engaged throughout.

The props were plentiful and thoughtfully incorporated by the cast, with each item serving a clear and practical purpose. Their use felt natural and added to the believability of the scenes, helping to bring the story to life in a simple yet effective way.

The costumes were excellent, playing a crucial role in making each character instantly recognizable and adding depth to their personalities. Alice’s pink fairy outfit stole the show, radiating her playful and whimsical spirit, Owen’s Elvis jumpsuit added a delightful touch of humour and charisma and I absolutely adored Geraldine’s gorgeous angel dress in the nativity scene.

Charlotte was spot-on as Geraldine Granger, effortlessly capturing the vicar’s charm, humour, and warmth. She brought an undeniable presence to the stage, embodying Geraldine’s quick wit and infectious energy while also conveying her heartfelt moments with sincerity. Equally impressive was Jess, who was outstanding as the delightfully dippy Alice Horton née Tinker. She fully embraced Alice’s quirky innocence and hilarious naivety, bringing a warmth and charm to the role that made her a joy to watch. From her wide-eyed expressions to her perfectly timed delivery of Alice’s offbeat observations, Jess captured the spirit of the character to perfection. The on-stage chemistry between Geraldine and Alice, portrayed by Charlotte and Jess, was absolutely seamless, capturing the essence of their beloved friendship with remarkable authenticity. Their interactions were a perfect blend of heartwarming camaraderie and laugh-out-loud humour, bringing a dynamic to the stage that felt natural and utterly engaging. Well Done to Both of You!

Barry delivered an excellent portrayal of David Horton, capturing the character’s commanding presence and unwavering authority. His performance was both authoritative and confident, exuding a sense of strength and control that made David a commanding and formidable figure. Meanwhile, Kevin was equally brilliant as his hapless son, Hugo. Kevin’s portrayal of Hugo was a perfect balance of awkwardness and sincerity, showcasing a character who, despite his shortcomings, was endearing and relatable.

Gareth made a very convincing Jim Trott, capturing the character’s humour and quirks with exceptional flair. His portrayal brought Jim to life, infusing every scene with the perfect blend of charm and comic timing. His ability to deliver Jim’s famous catchphrases and distinctive pauses made the character’s comedic moments all the more unforgettable.

Rob shone as Frank Pickle, delivering the iconic moment of ‘outing’ himself to the community via Radio Dibley. His performance captured Frank’s nervous energy and vulnerability, making the moment both amusing and heartfelt. The mix of humour and sincerity in his delivery turned a simple confession into one of the most memorable and touching scenes of the production.

Karen gave a solid performance as the ever-quirky Mrs Cropley, bringing the character’s eccentric charm and loveably unconventional personality to life. Her portrayal captured Mrs C’s boundless enthusiasm and peculiar culinary creations, delivering plenty of light hearted moments that had the audience chuckling.

One of my favourite moments has to be when the beautiful children sang their hearts out in the Christmas carols - a touching and heartfelt performance that captivated the audience. It was also a clever and seamless way to fill in for the large scene change happening behind the stage curtain. Another highlight was the hilariously spirited Brussel sprout eat-off between Geraldine and David, which had everyone in stitches. And I laughed with sheer joy during the nativity scene, a wonderfully chaotic and comedic moment that perfectly encapsulated the charm and humour of the show. All of these moments added to the magic of the production, leaving the audience thoroughly entertained.

The cast did a wonderful job of bringing the beloved Dibley characters to life, capturing their unique personalities and delivering a production full of humour and warmth. Each actor embraced their role with enthusiasm and skill, making it a pleasure to watch the world of Dibley unfold on stage.

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