The Vicar of Dibley and Blackadder ll

So much preparation had gone into this production, by all members of the team.   The performances played to almost full houses and a very useful sum was raised for Comic Relief.  Axminster Drama is a very welcoming society and it was good to see actors from neighbouring groups on the stage.

Because both of these plays were originally presented for television, which is a more intimate medium, it was necessary for the actors to parody those performances.  This was achieved in good measure although, at times bolder body language and more carrying speech would have enhanced the presentation.  It was required that the actors should fairly closely copy the televised production but it was good to see that they were also able to bring something of themselves to their performance.   Both plays were well cast with excellent performances from the younger members of the cast who grow in stage presence and characterisation every time I see them.  All actors displayed a good understanding of the humour.  The temptation to go over the top must be difficult to resist but they did resist it.  The acting was never self-indulgent.

The wardrobe department is to be congratulated for providing the cast with fabulous costumes.  Attention to detail and great care had been taken with the many costumes, including for the smaller roles.  Queenie's dress, in particular, decorated with beadwork, was exquisite. Nothing had been hired, all were made in house.

The Vicar of Dibley

Congratulations to Ellis on his first foray into directing.   He had chosen well, casting experienced actors who had taken to their roles with enthusiasm and an ability to become the characters of the much-loved television series.  There were some lovely performances bringing out the humour and at times the pathos of the script.  The radio broadcast scene worked very well especially the disclosure by Frank to the listening public.  This was followed by the committee meeting where his friends were so supportive but had not listened to his broadcast so had no idea what he had revealed.  The Songs of Praise involved a larger cast with some very funny moments.  Geraldine unsurprisingly fell for Tristan and then discovered he was involved with Ruth, oh, dear!  Great fun with the recording of the service.    Insufficient seats so two of the congregation had to crouch, good job there were no more than two performances, they might never have straightened up again!  Cecil as the nerdish musical director and his choir brought yet more laughs.

The Vicar of Dibley is not easy to bring to the stage as much of it consists of numerous short scenes.    Each scene ideally needs to flow without too much pause into the next.  Some scenes were set at either side of the wide stage which slowed that process somewhat.   The Guildhall is not easy for sound projection and at times some lines were a tad too quiet.  A hanging mic was used but the assistance it gave was somewhat limited.  This was most noticeable with the "joke" scenes between Geraldine and Alice.  They were so expressive and we longed to follow their conversation but it proved difficult to hear.  The church hall scenes fared better regarding sound and were particularly funny.

Blackadder II

This play transferred to the stage more smoothly possibly because scenes in Blackadder are somewhat longer which helped it to flow more easily.   The setting was again fairly straightforward and worked well.  The throne room with Queenie, Nursie and Melchett was set on stage right.   The remainder of the stage was used for the other scenes which were more fluid, with the visit by Lord and Lady Whiteadder set in a framework representing Blackadder's dwelling.  The prison scene with the unforgettable Ploppys and the mistaken beheadings was hilarious.   There were excellent performances all round and Blackadder himself was played with the necessary sardonic, almost resigned humour. All the characters from the television series were easily recognizable.  The craziness of the script was enjoyed by both actors and audience alike.  

Congratulations to all involved in bringing these well-known comedies to the stage.  The audience had a great evening and Comic Relief benefitted,  an excellent result.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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