Scribbler Paul's scribbles: The Vicar of Dibley

Review by Paul Towers, 24/3/25

The Vicar of Dibley by Richard Curtis & Paul Mayhew-Archer, adapted by Ian Gower and Paul Carpenter

Directed by Nikki Favell

Produced by Leicester Drama Society

At The Little Theatre til Saturday 29th March 2025

TV’s much loved sitcom about the Clerical Comedy, The Vicar of Dibley, comes to The Little Theatre for a week. Starring all the regular characters this is an evening of Holy Humour and Dibley Drama. OK enough of the Ecclesiastical puns.

Dibley is an amalgam of some of the best bits from across all three series. Although I imagine it was tough selecting just a couple of hours’ worth of gems. The story goes from Geraldine Grainger’s (Kat Seddon) arrival in Dibley through to her transfer to Liverpool. Along the way we are witness to the blossoming romance and ultimate wedding between verger Alice Tinker (Kathryn Lenthall) and Hugo Horton (Keir Watson), much to the horror of Hugo’s father autocratic David Horton (David Lovell).

Sat at the head of the Parish Council, David Horton rules with a iron fist over fellow councillors Jim Trott (Ian Carr), Owen Newitt (Jordan Handford), Frank Pickle (John Bale) and Letitia Cropley (Elizabeth Spendlove).

There is also a tiny cameo form Tabitha Fogg, but I won’t spoil it by saying what she plays.

It has to be said that every single actor nails their character’s idiosyncrasies with aplomb. Their vocal mimicry is spot on and won’t disappoint regular viewers of the series.

The set, designed by Tristan Knowles, is a versatile depiction of three separate areas; the council meeting room, Geraldine’s parlour and the inimitable study where Alice fails to understand any of the Vicar’s jokes.

Director Nikki Favell has created a joyous show that will be loved by anyone who has watched the TV series. Grab one of the last tickets and revel in an evening of almost continuous laughter.

The Vicar of Dibley is at The Little Theatre until Saturday 29^th March 2025

Pics: Dave Morris

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