Don't Get Your Vicars in a Twist

George, the senior warden at the local church, is under pressure from his wife to raise cash required to fund the forthcoming wedding of his daughter. It just so happens that the newly arrived lady vicar is to spend a weekend away with old friends so George’s idea of hiring out the vicarage to a group of actors to perform a murder mystery play therein can go ahead and help fund the wedding. However, before George can get the Reverend Caroline (Caroline Ash) on her way, who should arrive early but Dickie (David O’Brien) who is to direct this epic production. Dickie is quickly shoved through one of the many doors leading off of the sturdily built set and the Rev. Caroline is hustled out of the front door and sent on her way. Shortly afterwards Alan (Aaron Pettican) the other church warden arrives to check that all is well at the vicarage, which he expects to find empty. George has no option but to explain his plan to Alan and implore him for his assistance in furtherance of it; thankfully Alan agrees.

Actor Ronald (Kei Bailey), who is to play the part of a bishop, turns up and by the time we see him in costume he has already consumed a considerable amount of alcohol and is under the influence of it. Next on the scene is Marigold (Jo Warwick) an experienced actress, whose strengths as a thespian and consummate “gin drinker” are well known to Dickie who demands that she surrenders her supplies of alcohol, which she has secreted in her luggage and clothing, prior to going to her room. Actress Maddie (Rachel Rowett) is next arriving; she has a penchant for men – any age, shape or size! Actor Charles (Godfrey Barlow) gets a shock when he arrives and Dickie informs him he is now required to play the part of a female and wear the requisite attire, since the actress who was to have played the part has found alternative employment; what does he do about his facial hair? Freda (Colette Buchanan-Gray) and Angela (Joanna Cheyne) are two sisters who have paid to attend this murder mystery play and frequently express their dissatisfaction with the proceedings to Dickie, threatening to demand their ticket money back. Unfortunately Bishop Herbert (Craig Pakes), the diocesan bishop, arrives to see how the new vicar is settling in but suffers a series of indignities which result in him being rendered unconscious for most of the time.

This extremely funny farce was superbly delivered by a capable and well - rehearsed cast creating magnificent mayhem on stage. There were just a couple of brief pauses which could have been attributed to the need for the actors to take a breath. Congratulations on raising so much laughter in your audience and sending them on their way in such good humour.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.