The Vicar of Dibley 3

This was Henley’s third production in the trilogy, Vicar Of Dibley comedy series. Their audiences so enjoyed the first two shows, so by popular demand it had been requested again. This time treating their audiences to some much loved scenes from Dibley Radio. Hugo and Alice having returned from their honeymoon and Alice finds out she is pregnant. It ends with the Dibley Christmas Nativity and low and behold “The Second Coming”

Previously in 2022 and 2023 all the characters had remained the same and the majority of the cast had returned again this year. The double act of Geraldine Granger and Alice (now Horton) were in the capable hands of Ali Jordan and Molly Barnett.  It was a pleasure to see them return, capturing the look and sound of their on-screen counterparts, Dawn French and Emma Chambers, so effectively that you sometimes forgot they were actors playing a role.  Both gave confident, impressive performances, delivering the rapid-fire comic lines with great skill.

Julian Ochwat had returned as the unforgettable “no, no, no, yes” Jim Trott. Also a memorable performance from Richard Ashby as the Farmer, Owen Newitt.  Marina Griggs as Letitia Cropley was still intent on her knitting throughout the Parish meetings and we were all waiting to see what concoctions she would be cooking up for everyone this year.

Joining the cast this year was Chris Perry as Hugo Horton, who endured and joined in with his wife Alice’s wacky humour well. Chris Parkin played the straight-laced David Horton, and Tony Stokes took on the gentler role of Frank Pickle. In this episode we also met Bev Pilbrough as The Vet, with Annabelle Gavin and Amy Pilbrough as the two angels.

They had all clearly studied their on-screen characters, mimicking their very recognisable mannerisms and eccentricities. Their comic timing was strong, and the audience clearly appreciated the humour. The costumes were effective and true to the original characters while the set was equally well designed and full of thoughtful detail.

Congratulations to the directors, cast and crew on a thoroughly enjoyable evening that kept us all laughing throughout. We were also all treated to a high tea which was delicious. Thank you, it was good to see you all again.

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