THE VICAR OF DIBLEY

This stage adaptation from the first two series of the ever popular Vicar of Dibley between 1994 and 1998 was a winner from the start. All the characterisations were spot on and the Group gave excellent performances, weekly throughout the summer, a great commitment for which they must be congratulated. The set was divided between The Parish Hall and The Vicarage. This worked well for the 23 scenes, and the cast and crew handled the transition from one scene to the next without hesitation. All the appropriate props were to hand, and lighting was right on cue.

The coveted role of The Vicar – Geraldine Granger, was in the capable hands of Karen Dolan- Smith who gave us a professional performance, very rarely off stage and holding the entire cast together. Karen brought out every aspect of the Vicar’s personality, an admirable portrayal of which she must be very proud – well done. Ed Farrow gave us a good performance as David Horton, the anti- female Vicar ‘Lord of the Manor’ who would stop at nothing to rid of this female Vicar, but finally comes to terms with the situation. Kevin Loney and Bryony Green were well cast as Hugo Horton and the innocent Alice Tinker. Eric Maggs was suitably cast as the stuttering Jim Trott with his No No No No No!   - Yes!  which the audience loved. Paul Dunn extracted the most out of his role as Frank Pickle, minute keeper of the Parish Meetings, cow towing to David Horton and asking ridiculous questions which brought many chuckles from the audience. Dan Evans as Owen Newitt  gave us a most explicit ‘handling’ of his farm animals, one could almost smell it. At the performance I attended, the role of Letitia Cropley was ably performed by Julie Roberts, and I note from the programme this role was also performed on occasions by Olwen Jones

The children – Junior Spydrs, the cast. Lizzie, Katie and Archie, - Lia Williams, Krystal Rice and Ryan Price-Hughes respectively, together with Cameron and Luke played by Jake Rice and Joshua Wilde respectively. A small cameo role – ‘Woman’ expertly played by Kate Parry completed the cast.

The performance culminated of on a very happy note with the wedding of Hugo and Alice. This indeed was an excellent evening’s entertainment from this group, who continually strive to provide first class entertainment for both tourists and locals alike. A great night out and the Group fully deserved the accolade it received.             

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