The Vicar of Dibley
No, No, No, No, No, Yes!
Yes, we are all in favour of this hugely entertaining comedic adaptation from the original well known TV series. The theme is the arrival of a female Vicar in a small rural Parish: her divisive effect and in the end, success, in winning the Parish over.
Standing left to right - Chris Iredale, Iain Johnson, Peter Buller, Heather Appleton, Steve Hunt
Sitting left to right - Joyce Liggins, Jerry Harvey, Ruth Dodsworth
Ruth Dodsworth approaches the part of the Vicar with easy confidence and skill. A major contribution to the play. Her interactions with Heather Appleton as the much loved Alice Tinker form the core and link for each scene. Their joke sessions after a church service such an important element of the original series. The use of a pre-recorded film shown on a screen above the stage a device which works so well.
Dibley Parish Council Meeting
The back of the stage is the setting for the Vicarage. The front of the stage used as the setting for the hilarious Parish Council meetings. Jerry Harvey relishes his part as David Horton, a boorish man who bullies his gentle son played by Peter Buller. Peter uses the mannerisms of the original character but brings his own charm. Joyce Liggins plays Mrs Cropley whose bizarre cooking creates havoc. Her amazing hats and outfits saying more about the character than what she actually says. Chris Iredale is the pedantic Parish Clerk, comically constructing Minutes of the meetings. Iain Johnson as Owen Hewitt, troubled with his digestion, throws himself into the part with energy. Steve Hunt plays Jim Trott with extra relish.
Debbie Forsyth as the Wedding Guest interloper
All the characters meet up for the quite touching scene of the Marriage of Hugo and Alice, interrupted for a moment by Debbie Forsyth, a guest at the wrong Wedding. Any poignancy undermined deliberately by the Wedding Dress from hell. Heather as Alice is outstanding.
Alice and Hugo finally kiss
Deftly directed by Sue Hickson. The staging, with minimal changes by moving chairs and a table, kept the many scenes flowing. Backstage crew as ever a vital part of the production. Also sound and lighting. Special mention for the highly creative Wardrobe department.
Very entertaining in this lovely refurbished little theatre. What a talented bunch. Yes, yes, yes, yes, Yes to a great night out enjoying a ‘silly but fun evening’ shared with an appreciative full house.
Ros Wade
Photographs by Sue Hickson and Joyce Liggins
The Cast