The Vicar of Dibley

~~One of the most satisfying moments for directors is to hear the audience laugh at a comic scene they have set, and director Chris Brooke must have been thrilled to hear the spontaneous laughter from the whole of the audience throughout the production. This was an excellent script, full of humour, and it was very well executed by a talented cast who had all obviously worked hard to portray the much loved characters from the TV series, all of whom were clearly identifiable.

The Vicar, Geraldine Granger, confidently played by Kate Claxton in her first solo role with Players I particularly liked mainly through the interaction she had with all the other members of the cast. John Bettesworth who took the role of the irascible Council Chairman, David Horton, has been a member of Players in various roles for some 37 years now.  He always produces an excellent character whatever role he plays. Graham Brown played the love-struck Hugo Horton, David’s son, who was infatuated with Alice Tinker, the simple minded Churchwarden who loves the Tellytubbies; this role was brilliantly executed by Jacqueline Willis.

Jim Trott, (he of no,no,no,yes fame!) was superbly played by Norman Keenan who not only mastered the accent but also the gait of his character. Sue Mansbridge played Letitia Cropley, well known for her knitting and exotic recipes! The part of Frank Pickle, the pedantic Council Clerk was convincingly played by Gerald Paul. Jason Christopher whose comic timing was always spot on, was hilariously outrageous as the disgusting character of Farmer Owen Newitt; the farmer full of passion for his cows which he later tries to transfer to the Vicar. He milked his part to the full with the audience constantly roaring with laughter at his antics on the stage.

This was not only an enjoyable performance for the audience but also a rather special one for me as this company was the first adult one where I took on the role of Musical Director. This was 37 years ago and it is further special as I am coming to the end of my time as Regional Rep in the South East District 10. Well done to all concerned and thanks for the tremendous hospitality I have received over the years.

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