Theatre Review - THE VICAR OF DIBLEY - THE PEOPLE'S THEATRE, NEWCASTLE

As with the original, well known BBC show by Richard Curtis and Paul Mayhew-Archer, when the new Vicar shows up in Dibley locals are shocked to discover she is a woman!

 

Mrs Cropley (Rye Mattick) and Geraldine (Kirstie Petley)
photo Jack Thompson

Directed by Eileen Davidson, this is a skilfully crafted and delightfully funny journey from Geraldine’s first arrival to the rather eccentric wedding. The audience is quickly pulled into Dibley by the flawless set, which creates three beautiful defined areas; Geraldine’s house, the village hall and the Horton residence (designed by Rhiannon Wilson), with so much attention to detail you could happily walk in and sit down. The soundtrack of ‘90s pop music and the occasional jingle from ‘Radio Dibley’ added to the enjoyment of each scene (sound designed by Philip Bradley). The lighting (designed by Matthew Todhunter) gave a gentle glow from behind colourful stained-glass windows and, with subdued lights, created a intimate feeling before relishing in the use of a vibrant disco light to give a real ‘party’ feel. The wardrobe department (Dianne Edwards) triumphed in creating a truly unique wedding dress for Alice.

Geraldine (Kirstie Petley) and Alice (Alison Carr)
photo Jack Thompson

The ensemble (Heather Birleson, Barbra Edmundson, Ann Mattick, Helen Poole, James Taylor, Jack Thompson, Stephen Waller, Cat White and Ann Zunder) gave life to the village and performed some beautiful songs, though it would have been nice if instrument versions of the recorded pop songs could have been used in the second half, so we could hear their voices better. Mrs Cropley was played by Rye Mattick with a naughty twinkle to her eye. Reverend Pottle, played by Alan Potts, and Lady in the Church, by Ann Zunder, although only featuring in short scenes, created a lasting impression. Frank Pickle (Mike Smith) was charming as he came out as ‘gay’ to his listeners. Owen Newitt (John MacDonald) had us equally both disgusted and amused whenever he spoke. Hugo Horton (Robbie Close) and Alice Tinker (Alison Carr) had us guffawing in the aisles at their kissing shenanigans. David Horton (Roger Liddle) hit the perfect tone of arrogance when facing the wonderful Geraldine Granger (Kirstie Petley) to make my sides ache with laughter and ‘no, no, no, no’ one could have done a better job with the character of Jim Trott than Tony Sehgal despite being a great deal younger than his character.

Owen (John MacDonald) and Geraldine (Kirstie Petley)
photo Jack Thompson

A thoroughly enjoyable show; not be missed, it runs until 5^th October at the People’s Theatre.

Jim (Tony Seghal), Frank (Mike Smith), Mrs Cropley (Rye Mattick)
photo Jack Thompson