Tickets were gifted in return for an honest review
A Vicar of Dibley Christmas: The Second Coming filled The Little Theatre with expectant fans of the TV show, ready to be humoured with an evening of silliness, fun and disasters that we know only too well that our friends in Dibley will produce. As predicted, the audience were in for a treat. Many familiar jokes and scenes from the well-known sitcom had audience members laughing, sometimes before the given punch line from those who know the show far too well. Based on the original TV series by Richard Curtis and Paul Mayhew-Archer, this show has been adapted by Ian Gower and Paul Carpenter, preserving the much-loved ingredients that make this show so special.
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| Photo by Poyner and Mee Photography. |
Set in Dibley, we are told the story of how a variety of parish council members bring about a new village radio and nativity in the farm to the village, including the mayhem of auditions, an over-dramatised angel, a variety of ‘Kings’ and a real-life baby being born in the stable. The familiar vestry misunderstandings between Alice and Geraldine ensured there was plenty of laughter.
The casting was spot on - the majority reprising their role from the initial LDS performance of The Vicar of Dibley last year. It was clear why the cast were brought back, having won awards last year. The mannerisms, the tiny familiar gestures, and the accents were all there. Kat Seddon adorning the famous black bob hairstyle created a warm and comfortable Geraldine - a golden thread who held the show together. It was wonderful to watch Alice’s baby bump (played by Kathryn Lenthall) grow during the evening, demonstrating the passing of time - once she had realised she was having a baby and had come to terms with this. We enjoyed Jim’s no, no, no, no, no…yes and David Horton’s unenamoured view of his daughter-in-law.
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| The cast of The Vicar of Dibley. Photo by Poyner and Mee Photography |
The show is fast-paced - there are 16 scenes in Act 1, mostly flipping between the vicarage and the village council. Tristan Knowles’ set design enabled seamless scene changes, enabling flow and we were treated to snippets of well-known melodies and Christmas carols during scene changes - there was more than 1 voice in the audience humming along. A huge well done to John Bale on the costume design. We enjoyed Letitia’s outfits matching her personality, the cardigans belonging to Frank, the shepherds' outfits/Wise men outfits - amazing what adding a crown can do! And of course Owen’s tank tops.
A very comfortable evening spent with our friends in the village of Dibley, playing until Saturday 18th July at The Little Theatre.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
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| Photo by Poyner and Mee Photography |
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