Review: The Vicar of Dibley

Robin Lightfoot as Jim Trott, the vicar played by Susan Wenborn, and Leigh Taylor as Owen Newitt. Photo / Sue and Garth Pattle

WHAT: The Vicar of Dibley
WHERE: The Shambles Theatre
WHEN: July 27–August 11

NO, NO, NO, NO, NO ...YES!

If you enjoyed the slapstick humour and innuendo of the television show you are definitely going to love the Rotorua Little Theatre's current production of The Vicar of Dibley.

This production marks the directorial debut of Robyn-Ann Rumney and a fine one it is.

Rumney has successfully directed her cast and crew in this fast-paced, bucolic romp through the parish of Dibley – a backwater which is mightily disturbed when a woman vicar is appointed.

The story is fast-paced and very efficient use has been made of the stage, as well as lighting and sound, to ensure the smooth and swift transitions between scenes; thumbs up to the crew.

The casting and costuming are also superb.

Sue Wenborn plays the pivotal part of the vivacious Vicar, Geraldine Grainger, with flair. The other performers are equally well-cast and do justice to their characters.

Belinda Herbert debuts on stage in her role as the ditzy Alice Tinker and an amazing Alice she makes. Mark Reid is equally proficient in his performance of the dozy Hugo Horton.

The other members of the cast give finely nuanced performances that also capture the essence of their characters: Alasdair Hay as pompous and irascible David Horton, Ron Cane as refined pedant Frank Pickle, Robin Lightfoot as stuttering Jim Trott, Leigh Taylor as compulsive swearer and animal lover Owen Newitt, and Wendy Burgess as creative cook and flower arranger, Letitia Cropley.

The Vicar of Dibley is a production not to be missed and the audience on the night I attended enjoyed it immensely.

So should you go to this play?

Take the advice of Jim Trott – yes, yes, yes, yes, yes!

Tickets available from the Box Office Mon- Fri 11am–1pm and prior to each performance.