The Vicar of Dibley

This virtually sold-out production had an air of excited expectation in the auditorium that comes where any audience are assured of what is going to happen and “The Vicar of Dibley” and it’s iconic status elicits such a reaction and they were not disappointed.

The stock characters were there in evidence, well researched, well observed and unashamedly played for laughs and an appreciative audience wholeheartedly lapped them up.

On opening night, there were some nerves in evidence, but this did not put anyone off and the cast came into their own as the momentum and warmth of the audience spurred them on and by Act Two had put them all behind them.

All the characters and situations were there and Andrew Rock’s production for Dudley Little Theatre hit all the high spots superbly. Laura Cox playing Geraldine Granger, the vicar of the title made famous by Dawn French was superb in the lead role giving all she could as she was the lynchpin character holding the three TV episodes depicted in the play together, no mean feat which she achieved with ease. Emily Woolman playing Alice Tinker, was equally great value – a thoroughly likeable character with tremendous comic timing – the “I can’t believe it’s not butter” sequence with Geraldine was a masterclass in comedy. The other members of Dibley Parish Council were also splendidly on parade: Tony Stamp’s David Horton, the Chairman of the Council in all his pompous glory but we also get a glimpse of his warmth, which Tony portrayed with great tenderness; his son, the awkward Hugo Horton, was played by Ray Curran who brought out the ineptitude of the character with charm and humour; Maurice Felton as Frank Pickle,  the Council Secretary and his pernickety traits were entertainingly brought to the fore; Matt Beard as Owen Newitt had the audience in the palm of his hand as he hilariously described his farmyard antics and various toilet experiences much to  our delight; Letitia Cropley,  lovingly played by Rebecca Clee bringing out the sheer ludicrousness of her ridiculous recipe combinations with warmth and great comic timing.

The various episodes also introduced us to an array of supporting characters all contributing the enjoyment of evening, namely: Debra Attwood as Cecilia, Pam Griffiths as The Posh Lady, Laura Wilkinson as The Quiet Lady, Bill Welch as The Musical Man, Helen Brown as The Woman and Georgina Lovell and Louise Williams as The Bridesmaids.  A true team effort that was willingly embraced by an appreciative audience who, by the conversations that I overheard as they left, had a brilliant time.

An efficient and talented Tech and Stage Team made the moving from location to location perfectly integrated and with Richard Clee and Dave Holt’s Lighting and Sound, the transitions were seamless.

Well done DLT, a triumph!

Thanks to everyone at Dudley Little Theatre for your kind invitation and making me feel so welcome. 

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