The Vicar of Dibley - Live!

Skegness Musical Theatre Company return to the popular play ‘The Vicar of Dibley’ and this time they are going Live! Once again, the play is is based on an episode of the hugely popular comedy sitcom starring Dawn French and Emma Chambers, written by Richard Curtis and Paul Mayhew-Archer.  

The cast slipped back easily into their characters, reprising their roles and bringing the weird and wonderful Dibley residents to colourful life.  Rebecca Sylvester gave a good performance of the only sane member of the church council committee, the long-suffering vicar Geraldine Granger.  She dealt deftly with David Horton’s disparaging treatment of his future daughter in law Alice, who he described as being as ‘intellectual as prawn sandwich’, turning the tables on him and allowing Alice to shine.  Her subtle handling of the other characters, particularly Frank Pickle supporting him in his life choices, was very touching.  

Alice Tinker (soon to be Horton) played by Jo Fitzwilliams, once again had all the quirky mannerisms of the naïve sweet natured verger, who thought Black Sabbath were gospel singers and she played the role perfectly.  Ian Clarke once again captured the arrogance of the pompous David Horton, Alice’s future father-in-law and undefeated Brain of Dibley Quiz champion.  

Hugo ‘Hot Dog’ Horton (Henri Garraway) reprised his role as Alice’s fiancé, this time trying his hand at DJaying, showing a less than appropriate choice of music requests, and Owen Newitt (Marino Jackson) again was pitch perfect with his straight-talking farmer with a poodle obsession.  This time, Michael Parker played the sex-obsessed ditherer Jim Trott and Frank Pickle was played by Phil Mills who gave a sensitive performance as he ‘came out’ live on radio about his homosexuality and his relationship long ago with a young farm hand called Justin.

During each scene change, we are treated to another performance from the doughty ladies of the ‘Dibley Women’s Institute’ ably led by Daphne Winterbottom-Smyth (aka director Andrea Hall) a host of institute members again with euphemistic sounding names and the caretaker who joined in enthusiastically with their routines. 

This time, the ladies took us on a whistlestop tour of musical dances from across the world resulting in some well delivered choreography as they performed their own spirited version of the Māori Haka featuring lots of protruding tongues and facial expressions, and Irish danced their way hilariously through a ‘Riverdance’ parody complete with the caretaker as Michael Flatley. 

Due to performing in various locations, the set had to be simple and easily transported and constructed.  The ‘settee’ was covered with a brightly coloured crocheted blanket, and the Parish Council room had a table and chairs positioned so that each character could be clearly seen.  There was also a clever split scene featuring David Horton resting at home on separate platform listening to the live radio show taking place on stage. 

Costumes once again reflected the characters. Geraldine as the vicar wore a black high buttoned shirt with ‘dog collar’ selection of different coloured cardigans.  Jo as Alice Tinker wore a long skirt, and red cardigan which she twisted and fiddled with when she was nervous.  The highlight of course was all the themed costumes worn by the WI ladies including Russian Cossacks complete with furry beards and moustaches, matching green velvet dresses and bouncing curls for Riverdance and tartan kilts for the Highland Fling.

At the end of the show, the whole cast sang the theme hymn ‘Psalm 23’ arranged by Howard Goodall, showcasing their harmonies and singing featuring Jo’s beautiful solo vocals.  

All in all, a fun day’s entertainment and an affectionate version of a well-loved classic.  The pace was smooth, and the jokes were well delivered.

Well done to director Andrea for another delightful visit to Dibley featuring the WI ladies.  Also, to the cast, for adapting to performing within the confines of a variety of very small stages and changing areas.  I enjoyed the ladies, providing entertainment between scene changes which were a definite highlight of the show, and it was lovely to meet Andrea, Sandra and Jo after the performance. 

 

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