The Vicar of Dibley (Audlem Theatre Company)

Leafy Lanes and Parish Notices. Long shadows and church bells ringing – and that was just the journey to Audlem Village Hall to see The Vicar of Dibley. Like the TV Series the play is a wonderful ensemble piece – also written by…Richard Curtis and Paul Mayhew-Archer.

A really good start, in the Parish Hall, with much loved and well drawn characters that we all know. “I’ve got a worrying feeling in my colon” punctuated the air as Owen ( played perfectly by Lee Bottomley) exits quickly.

The arrival of the new vicar Geraldine (Rachael Hodgkins) to Alice’s (Em Morris) exaggerated courtesy, along with a perfectly voiced Jim Trott (Stuart Furber) with his “No No No No; Yes”, had us all chuckling at the TV memories as well as the gags.

All the characters are assembled before us even Lititia (Helen Katterloher) with her pancakes (made with a hint of liver) and Coconut Cake with anchovies. Frank (John Dixon) with his pedantic and particular minute keeping. The jokes kept coming and the Chairman of the Village Committee – David Horton (played with marvellous pomposity by the director Paul Cass having had three weeks to learn the part!) puts his foot in it.

Owen’s and Geraldine’s struggle with Lent, having given up swearing and chocolate, was well done and it led to Alice and Hugo’s (David Davinport) chocolate finger gag which was so so funny.

“I can’t believe it’s not butter” was excellent as Geraldine and Alice chat away and I particularly enjoyed the staging and playing of the joke at the end of each Act. The Nun & the Blind Man is a classic gag. No spoilers though. It was just very very funny.

The scene with the village children was excellent. “My Dad said he’d give you one!” got a massive laugh – especially when the young fella pointed to his Dad in the audience. Props to the stage hands as the transitions between the village and the vicarage moved quickly and were fun. Loved the men in black! Harvey confused me. Wasn’t so sure of the dickhead song in truth but the kids as stage hands was genius.

Alice, Owen and Jim Trott are served with great lines and they were delivered wonderfully. “Shall I go and get the condom?” had me guffawing out aloud and I was reminded of how funny the TV series was, and remains, and it was very enjoyable to watch the comedy again.

It’s Raining In My Heart – was a great start to Act II and it encouraged audience participation but we were stunned into incredible bouts of laughter when a Game of Bridge and BDSM made for another of Lititia’s confused recipes. My lips are sealed – go see the show on Saturday night – it was a fabulous bit of comedy. I have not heard such laughter because of a bridge club ever.

Then to Hugo and Alice’s union, the marital advice from the villagers, Frank’s best man speech and a village wedding that had us all join in. A perfect ending. Audlem Theatre Company have produced a reverential tribute to a favourite TV Show, that celebrates English Village Life, and have done so with great casting, comedic moments the village will talk about for ages, and collaboration across the plot – I loved the Village Hall paintings from the local school. Bravo!

Did I enjoy this? No no no no… yes! (Go see it!) There are still a few tickets for a Saturday night.

Kev Watson