The Vicar of Dibley

First Night

First night of the presentation of the 2018 performance, produced by that wonderful woman, Nancy-May Goodwin was on Wednesday night.

A dampish night was evident as the seats gradually filled to a full house as we awaited the curtain lifter by the large choir who gave us a great opening song. Would the cast be able to capture that warm humour of the TV programme, with the wit of Dawn French as she descended of the village church? Well. Move over Dawn- and meet the absolutely wonderful Olivia Reece-Gresty as she so beautifully nailed the role of Geraldine.

We were treated to look in on the meeting of the church council as they were astonished to see that their new vicar was in the form of a quite plum-pish woman. Isobel Scott, as the somewhat stuffy chairman David Horton, perfectly carried it off with a long suffering face as she struggled to keep order. The answers by Josh Mort as Jim Trott were hilarious with his no, no, no -- followed by the inevitable "yes! " Alice- played by Elsbeth Leonard, had us in fits with her superb part as a daffy Alice with her lack of understanding of Geraldine's jokes " What do you call a budgie killed by a lawn mower? Shredded Tweet!!!

A slipping full black wig on the head of Geraldine had us on the edge of our seats- hoping it would not fall and the adlib line by Gracie Reece-Gresty ( as Darcey Bussell) when her beard disappeared -- " Yes, I shaved it off" was perfect timing.. A very dotty Letitia, played by Rebecca Turner was excellent, with her crazy cooking. Parsnip brownies and Marmite cakes. Her delivery was word perfect.

Much praise must go to the thirtytwo splendid choristers who kept the music going though the night . And indeed a big heap of praise to all the back room team who ensured we had so successful an evening.

All in all a fantastic night that had us all laughing out loud and the very long and genuine applause as the finale arrived with a special dance routine of by all the players. A great night. Full of humour, great timing- and jolly good fun. Hats off to all the 10 players- such young girls and Josh (No No No)-- and to the marvellous skill of Nancy May-Goodwin. I urge you to try to get a ticket as I feel sure that we will see full houses for all nights

Ralph Warburton
Trainee Theatre Critic

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