The Vicar of Dibley

This was Henley’s second year with two more of the Vicar of Dibley episodes namely  ‘The Arrival’ & ‘The Wedding’. The stage plays by Ian Gower & Paul Carpenter were adapted from the popular TV series starring Dawn French.

All the cast from last year’s performance jumped at the chance of performing again with their original  characters.  Their performances last year were excellent and all their careful studies of their on-screen characters were again captured so well, both vocally and visually.

Dawn French certainly brought out a high level of comedy in her role as Vicar and Ali Jordan captured that comedy and energy perfectly in her characterisation. Special mention should go to Molly Barnett as Alice Tinker.  It was evident that Molly absolutely loved playing this part as she captured the crazy, lovable,  naive  yet very occasionally and surprisingly  perceptive character of Alice wonderfully.   Dominic Brock played Hugo Horton, who was equally crazy and lovesick for his dear Alice, much to his father’s annoyance.  Both Alice and  Hugo  featured heavily in these two episodes, particularly  as they prepared for their marriage.  They were a well matched pair and gave a wonderful ending to the evening with their chaotic wedding.

Mark Robinson was totally believable in the character of David Horton, the Parish Councillor who was exasperated in trying to establish some element of sense amongst his members on the Council. These included Al Rogers as Frank Pickle who desperately and frustratingly tries to minute all of the committee’s comments. Julian Ochwat was Jim Trott and had perfected his character’s stutter amazingly well, particularly while rehearsing his best man speech to the Abba song, ‘Knowing me, knowing you. ‘  Richard Ashby was brilliant as Owen Hewitt, the vulgar  farmer, in both voice and mannerisms, particularly  in his attempts to  woo  the Vicar.   Finally, all credit to Marina Griggs in her lovable portrayal of Letitia Cropley intent on feeding everyone with her weird and wonderful combinations of ingredients in her cakes and sandwiches.

Tony Stokes and his team had worked hard in re-vamping the multifunctional set on differing levels and with his careful direction was able to focus in ensuring the pace was maintained throughout the numerous scenes. The set looked and worked well and was reminiscent of the sets from the TV series  with the  appropriate props. The costumes all looked good and with some effective but small changes  in-between scenes,  this again  helped to ensure the  pace was not slowed down.  It was all  complimented with some good lighting  and sound and  with the actors, not individually mic’d up,  projecting  well throughout the performance.

Slight nervousness in the opening scene, first night nerves of course, was easily overlooked  by an appreciative audience.  The evening was full of good entertainment made even more special by the complimentary afternoon tea and Prosecco.   Thank you also for the warm welcome you gave us and it was good to meet you all again after the show. 

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