A Vicar of Dibley Christmas - The Second Coming

Ludwig Theatre Arts’ A Vicar of Dibley Christmas – The Second Coming brought laughter and festive cheer to The Ludlow Assembly Rooms, marking a fantastic start to the Christmas period. Following the success of last year’s The Vicar of Dibley, most of the cast returned to reprise their beloved roles, much to the audience’s delight. The only exception was Rab C, who took over the role of the chorister, replacing Alf. Rab infused the character with lively energy and sharp wit, delivering his lines with charm and comedic timing. Though his quick pace occasionally blurred some punchlines, his performance remained captivating, and his dedication to staying in character and in situ (on the landing, out of sight) throughout the play was truly commendable.

Nicola Jackson took on the iconic role of Geraldine Granger, made famous by Dawn French. While these are big shoes to fill, Nicola delivered a heartfelt and hilarious performance, anchoring the production with her comedic timing and warm presence. The chemistry between her and Lynsey Bradley as Alice Tinker was an undeniable highlight. Lynsey’s portrayal of the lovable but dim-witted Alice had the audience in stitches, especially during the unforgettable labour scene. From Alice’s hilarious denial of her pregnancy—because “the hamster didn’t turn blue”—to her confession of playing “odd rounds of hide the purple parsnip” with Hugo, Lynsey’s timing was flawless. Her later scenes, including the review of her honeymoon pictures and the infamous baby scan moment— “oh no, it has three legs”—had the audience in uproarious laughter. The chemistry between Nicola and Lynsey created an irresistible energy, keeping the laughter rolling throughout.

Joseph Rolt returned as Hugo Horton, Alice’s sweet but slightly clueless husband and long-suffering son of David Horton. His charming performance provided a perfect foil to the antics of both Alice and his father. John Bohan delivered a masterful portrayal of the uptight and often exasperated David Horton, highlighting his sharp delivery and flawless stage presence. His sarcastic one-liners and ability to keep his composure—even in the face of unexpected onstage giggles during one of the parish council meetings—added an extra layer of charm to his performance. A comedic highlight occurred when Alice outsmarted him in the Radio Dibley quiz, thanks to cleverly crafted questions written by Geraldine. Another memorable moment came with his amusing attempts to make Herod more approachable in the Nativity play.

Stephen Gray’s portrayal of Frank Pickle added warmth and humour, with his memorable radio confession and hilarious fur jacket scene during a parish council meeting, making him both endearing and funny. His Stephen Hawkins impression during his wise man audition was another highlight. Mitchell Worton’s portrayal of Farmer Owen was another standout performance, with a remarkable resemblance to Roger Lloyd-Pack’s original depiction. Worton’s comedic timing was flawless, particularly during his Elvis "The King" audition for the Nativity play—a moment that had the audience in fits of laughter, enhanced by an outfit that certainly left little to the imagination!

Sam Jenkins brought Jim Trott’s iconic “no, no, no, no... yes” lines to life with impeccable timing, further enhancing the comedy with his brilliant delivery. His portrayal of Billie Jean King in a tennis skirt was equally memorable, as was his moment glued to the TV, both showcasing his exceptional comedic talent.

Christine Harris brought Letitia Cropley to life with delightful eccentricity, stealing the spotlight in several scenes with her quiet observations and quirky expressions, all while skilfully knitting throughout the performance. Oliver Handley made a memorable cameo as the vet during Alice’s chaotic labour, contributing to the humour of the moment, and his placement in the audience was a brilliant touch. The inclusion of the three children in the Nativity added another layer of joy, creating even more opportunities for laughter with their interactions with Herod.

The production was a visual treat, with clever set design and seamless transitions between scenes. The backstage crew even became part of the action, when setting up the Nativity scene, adding a charming touch. The Dibley Choir, planted in the audience, delivered joyful musical interludes, energising the crowd, and adding to the festive atmosphere. They were FAB-U-LOUS!

Director Bev Jenkins once again demonstrated her skill in bringing the beloved village of Dibley to life. Her direction ensured that the comedic beats hit perfectly while preserving the heartwarming essence of the story. From start to finish, A Vicar of Dibley Christmas – The Second Coming was a jubilant celebration of community, humour, and festive cheer. The cast’s brilliant performances and seamless ensemble work made this production a true highlight of the festive season. With such a fantastic cast and a perfect blend of laughter and warmth, we can only hope that next year will bring another unforgettable instalment. God bless you all!

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