A VICAR OF DIBLEY CHRISTMAS

Royal Manor Theatre, Portland

A REVIVAL of a popular television comedy classic is bound to attract attention so it comes as no surprise to find that the Portland amateur players have filled their theatre throughout their latest production based on the long running series which focussed on the new role for women in the Church of England.

A cast of eight reproduce the main characters of the Dibley village idiots in the long running series starring Dawn French as they prepare to develop their own radio show as well as a nativity play with a decided difference.

Vicky Short is first class as the vicar Geraldine in a parish where everyone is decidedly daft, especially her faithful domestic help, Alice, played with stunning naivity by Becky Chance while Ian Butterworth is Alice’s hapless husband and Stanway Williams her crusty father in law David.

With good performances by Chris Matthews as the stammering Jim Trott, David Mackay as Frank, Kathy Pridmore as Mrs Cropley and Chris Wadley as Owen, the comedy is all about silly situations taking place in the village hall or at the vicarage as scenes change at lightning speed.

Sally Campbell’s direction keeps the pot boiling throughout in a comedy that has many good points but also has one major flaw – much of the script is in the worst possible taste.

Bawdy references, crude sexual jokes, crass comments about mentally challenged individuals, they are all part of the action throughout the play which sadly brings it down to a level where it is no longer comedy but embarrassingly uncomfortable.

MARION CO X