The Vicar of Dibley

Adapted from the highly successful television series of the same name, The Vicar of Dibley takes us back to the start where the Dibley Parish Council is anxiously awaiting the appointment of a new vicar and its members are shocked to be confronted with Geraldine Granger, a charismatic and, at the time, highly unconventional female vicar. Of course, it features all the eccentric characters created by Richard Curtis and Paul Mayhew-Archer that we have come to know and love.

The curtains went back to reveal a clever box set (designed by Paul Clasby) featuring the parish hall, well furnished with exactly the tables and chairs and assorted items you’d find in such a hall. The vicarage living room was sensibly set front stage right, visible throughout, saving a lot of time with scene changes and meaning the show kept up a good pace. Lighting (the Directors) and costumes (Valerie Bird) were good too, as were the props (Sonia Hill). I particularly liked the items that concealed Geraldine’s stash of chocolate and Alice’s various outfits – especially her decorated cardigans!

Directors Tyrone Baptiste and Sophie Nickerson have allowed the cast to develop their characters well, bearing more than a passing resemblance to the TV actors in looks and voice, without being slavish imitations. Sophie Castle really brought the vicar to life with her bright and enthusiastic manner, subtly bringing the pompous David Horton to heel - another masterful performance, by Kevin Cordell. Sonia Hill was delightful as the totally daffy verger Alice, nice but ever so dim and so obviously in love with Hugo Horton. Her “I can’t believe it’s not butter” scene was a masterpiece – how anyone learns those lines I do not know!  Oliver Thorne was spot on with his portrayal of Hugo’s shyness, such that we almost cheered when he eventually stood up to his father, and his on-stage chemistry with Alice made their awkwardness and scenes together very believable.

 Andy Ripley made a marvellous Owen Newitt, so basic in his descriptions of activities on his farm and his lust for Geraldine. Jeremy Fletcher positively revelled in the “no, no, no … yes” vocal acrobatics of Jim Trott, which made it all the funnier when he had to give up dithering for Lent. Steve Penfold aced it as pedantic minute-taker Frank Pickle and Lynda Saunders was marvellous as the ‘Dibley Poisoner’ Letitia Cropley. I must also mention Kelly Beilby as the unknown lady making everyone gasp when she interrupted the wedding.

I don’t often mention programmes in my reports but, as always, you really have pushed the boat out with a super-quality glossy edition, including a very interesting item about just how much impact the TV series had on the Church of England, coming as it did hard on the heels of the beginning of the ordination of women.

You are a friendly, welcoming and innovative community theatre company whose productions it’s always a pleasure to attend. The Vicar of Dibley was no exception – a wonderful afternoon’s entertainment. We had a great time laughing along with all the old familiar characters and jokes that we never tire of hearing one more time. Perhaps I should hint that there are two more Dibley stage adaptations available ….?

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