The Vicar of Dibley

Harbour Theatre are the most recent victims of the roof collapsing trend blighting Perth theatres. Currently unable to use their regular home, Camelot, in Mosman Park, they were looking for a popular, bums-on-seats show to attract an audience to their temporary venue, Hamilton Hill’s Memorial Hall, and they have found a great choice in this stage adaptation of The Vicar of Dibley.

Simply staged with just curtains and furnishings, they manage to capture the feeling of the meeting room of the Parish Council, and of a room in the vicarage. There is a little problem with the speed of transitions (as often happens in TV adaptations), which is accentuated by the narrow access to this stage, which slows exits - but the audience are very forgiving, and the show well received.

While director Jarrod Buttery claims to never have intended to mimic the TV series, this show was very character driven, and as a result, nearly all the characterisations closely resemble the choices made by the mostly late original cast in looks, mannerisms and vocal delivery.

Meredith Hunter takes up the challenge of the Dawn French originated Geraldine, and anchors the show well, looking very like the TV Geraldine in her smart dark bob, and clerical jumpers. She is partnered by Morgan Halket, who in blonde wig does her best to capture the humour of less-than-bright rector Alice.

An unrecognisable Den McAskil is strong as Chairman David, with relative newcomer Peter Clarke doing well in the role of unlikely romantic lead Hugo. Alex Hickman makes a welcome return to the stage as the iconic Jim Trott, while Kerry Goode garners many a laugh as the dotty Mrs Cropley. Tom Rees plays parish secretary Frank with precision, while Kevin Winder is relaxed and funny as farmer Owen.

Three young ladies made their community theatre debut in this play, as local children Veronica, Katie, and Lizzie, before returning as very unusual bridesmaids later in the show. Congratulations on promising performances Delilah Pearson-Grocutt, Eva Doherty and Charli George, and we hope to see you back on stage soon.

The Vicar of Dibley is very nice, sweet wholesome entertainment that will make its audience smile. I hope that Harbour gets lots of support with this endeavour.

Kimberley Shaw