The Vicar of Dibley

This is the first time I have attended a production by Tiverton Drama Group and also my first visit to The New Hall, Tiverton and what a treat it was.

Audience anticipation was palpable as The Vicar of Dibley is, and remains to be, a popular TV comedy series since it first hit our screens on 10th November 1994.  Most of those watching, perhaps hoping to see those beloved characters re-created from the TV series, were not disappointed in the least. 

The staging was cleverly designed with two-tiers and raised areas stage right and left (used to great effect for the joke’s scenes between Geraldine and Alice and the “lack of water” debacle). The lower tier was dressed with a large table and chairs and used for those iconic parish hall meetings by the cast. The second higher tier was dressed with sofas, display cabinet, TV set and potted plant and represented Geraldine’s living room in the vicarage and Mr Horton’s drawing room. The opening shot of The Vicar of Dibley TV series is projected on the backdrop. 

As the lights go up, we hear The Lord is my Shepherd. We are then introduced to the main characters as they meet to discuss parish matters in the Parish Hall and the christening of Alice and Hugo’s baby girl, baby Geraldine.

The actor playing David Horton immediately commanded the stage with his presence and articulate speaking voice. He shows his annoyance and frustration through-out the performance in a controlled and superior manner. A cohesive performance.  Jim Trott, with his memorable stutter of no no no affectation is created perfectly by this actor who, with expert comic timing essential for the role, brought the performance of the beloved TV actor Trevor Peacock back to the stage. I loved this character’s portrayal.  The interaction between the characters of Jim Trott and Frank Pickle was especially good, with Frank having some cracking comedic lines delivered with that famous banal but hilarious fashion.

The actor playing Letticia Cropley has, in my opinion, a difficult job as she sits listening quietly but intently, to the discussion around the table as she crochets and then provides the audience with those ‘laugh-out-loud’ moments regarding her baking prowess! This actor clearly has excellent stage skills portraying her character on or off word at all times. Owen Newitt with his unorthodox farming methods is portrayed with some expertise by this actor. He is called on to be one of baby Geraldine’s godparents and cannot wait to teach her how to ‘stove in the heads of moles’ and ‘slaughter cattle’. Brilliantly shocking and hilariously funny.

We meet Geraldine Granger who rushes in, late for the meeting. The audience immediately warm to this character and have a vested interest in her story and how hurt she feels when Mr Horton makes the decision for his grand-daughter to be christened by ‘his friend’ the bishop!  I enjoyed this portrayal as the actor negotiated the script and emotional moments with a natural empathy and believability.  Alice Horton (nee Tinker) is a pivotal role and the actor’s characterisation of this dippy, nutty verger and friend to Geraldine was outstanding. Her ability to create a beloved and uproarious Alice was complete through-out this performance.  Alices’ relationship with Hugo, her hair-brained hubby, was delightful too. These actors worked well together and Hugo was played sympathetically with subtle moments between he and Alice and again with his overbearing Dad. We always want Hugo to stand up to David and this was depicted well by both actors. 

There were some engaging cameo roles by a saucy Bishop of Mulberry with some memorable lines such as ‘have I slept with you, David? and to David regarding Geraldine, ‘have you given her one? The audience shrieked with laughter. The social worker, while checking the vicarage out as a creche, handles the scene well with a frantic Geraldine trying to change the baby. Miss Badcock explains the flooding plan for Dibley and is clearly concerned when Geraldine protests by chaining herself to the church railings. The professional TV Reporter sounded perfect as an outside broadcaster should when commentating on a ‘protesting vicar’.  

It is challenging as a director to mimic the TV series, which, if we are honest, is what the audience expect however Pauline Farr has worked her magic here. She and the cast have worked very hard to create a delightful performance of this play.  The production was slick, due to static staging and the use of projection to bolster the scene changes and creative lighting changes especially the scenes front of stage, left and right. I would like to make special mention of the sound engineers as every word could be heard on stage and I loved the 80’s music added between scenes, great idea to keep the audiences’ attention. 

I spent a most enjoyable evening, laughing out loud throughout this delightful and hilarious production and must congratulate all involved. It may have been my first time as an audience member but it will certainly not be my last. 

Lyn Burgoyne on behalf of Katie Jones

Noda (Mid and East Devon)

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