The Vicar of Dibley

 

 

As Denys Edwards Players celebrate 80 years of performing to their loyal audiences, with productions of this quality they are laying strong foundations for the years to come. I was delighted to be asked by Sue Cox to attend and send a review , not a long one , but expressing my thoughts and observations. So in reality I could simply say OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT, but that doesn’t totally do justice to what the company achieved with the Iconic Vicar of Dibley . This production featuring two combined episodes, The Handsome Stranger along with the Vicar in White. Denys Edwards are no strangers to these Vicar of Dibley plays having performed two previously. Taking on productions of this calibre require a total commitment from the whole society, Iconic TV shows last long in the memory so to compliment, what so many of us have seen, and produce memorable theatre takes imagination, clever casting, inventive direction and more. Your Director Andrew Hibbert along with the production team must be complemented to achieve the truly excellent result as witnessed this week at Dronfield Civic. The stage was cleverly split between Geraldines Vicarage and the Dibley Parish Hall with the innovative introduction of a simple door unit depicting Sleepy Cottage. The action moved swiftly through so many scenes interjected with well thought outbackground music. The use of the two projection screensadded further to the overall production. The Church scene was quite beautifully thought out, filmed and directed. Following in Dawn French’s footsteps isn’t easy but Joanne Ringrose as Geraldine made the part her own, wonderful comedic timing,great interactions with the committee and the looks of love and despair, and finally love when meeting her Harry. Such a large part to undertake, rarely off stage but delivered with clarity, timing and poise. The casting of the committee was brilliant, Rob Calnan as the wealthy David Horton, the organizer and instigator not always with the desired effect , Michael Bullock as Jim Trott , I guess no no no no,  yes will stay in your mind forever,  Bill Darwin as Frank Pickle the calm unassuming historian, Marc Vestry as Hugon Horton the down trodden son, married to Alice, Sue Cox as Letitia Cropley, the happy knitter with the most bizarre set of recipes, Richard Bevan as Owen Newitt , the man in the Wellies with more dodgy farming references than most, what a great team of actors who wholeheartedly played out so many well timed scenes, from serious to daft, excited to calm, the  comic timing was a joy and the visual asides memorable. Tommy Jones as Harry Kennedy the boring accountant and recently arrived southerner soon to become the love of the Vicar, cool and calm , a great performance. Kate Spivey as the dipsey innocent Alice Tinker-Horton, what can I say. Your hours of research in performing and acting this role  was simply awesome, your body language, your delivery and all round stage presence bought more smiles by every appearance. The whole cast worked with each other so well and those performers taking smaller cameos only added to the overall production. So to Danni Hibbert, John Castell, Connor Hibbert, Angela Blackwell, Chris Barker Michael Dempsey and Maisie Baxter thank you, brilliant. 

During this production the top quality script was fully brought to life by every actor involved, so many glorious scenes, both in the committee rooms and the Vicarage, The Scottish dancing complete with commando moment , the wedding scenes, the looks on the chaps faces during the life drawing, Suzie’s speed dating, Kate talking about age to Geraldine 40 ! next stop death !!! Geraldine ‘ All welcome in the bosom of my Bosom ‘Life drawing cost £10 but all handing over £20s , Narnia and the cost of fuel ? Doesn’t matter I only ever put in £20 and so much more. 

Sound effects, lighting,  projections and costumes all worked well. What an absolute delight to see a full audience. Those that miss this production have missed something very special . 

Wishing you all success with your remaining performances

 

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