The Vicar of DIbley

This play is the stage version of the famous television sitcom. It features three episodes from the series,’ The Arrival, ‘Songs of Praise and ‘The Christmas Lunch Incident ‘.

There were some excellent performances, of the now famous characters. Becca Walker was excellent as the new female vicar, she carried the part with ease. Will Tillitson , playing his first performance with the company, was a very good , pompous parish council chairman. He wasn’t at all happy about the new female vicar, and made no bones at all about voicing his opinion.Fortunately he was overruled by the rest of the council, his son Hugo, played by Dan England, Mrs Cropley, played by Eleanor Martin and Parish Clerk, and member Jim Trott, played by Geoff England and peter Scott, respectively, they all gave fine performances and certainly got the best out of the comedy. Alistair Jones also gave a good performance as  local farmer Owen Newitt. All the minor parts were well played, there wasn’t a weak link in the whole team. Star of the show for me was Beccy Hardman playing the verger, Alice Tinkler,  she was superb, and, a brilliant foil for Vicar Geraldine.

Because we were treated to three full episodes, there were a tremendous number of scene changes, which meant numerous blackouts during changes. I personally found this quite distracting, and would have like the stage split in two, and cross fade lighting used between the two, to make changes seamless. This is only my opinion, and isn’t meant to be a criticism of the technical staff..

On balance this was a very fine performance by the company, they pulled off the comedy very well, and was well enjoyed by the enthusiastic audience. Carol Corless, directing the company for the first time , should be well pleased with the way the cast performed. Well done to everybody involved.

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