THE warm-hearted, scatter-brained Vicar of Dibley has come to Altrincham Garrick.    She isn’t the Dawn French you saw between 1994 and 2007 but their very own Victoria Johnson.

Victoria wins our hearts in  this re-run of old episodes especially adapted for stage by Ian Gower and Paul Carpenter.   She gets into scrapes, mostly of her own making, and tells the familiar, corny jokes.

She comes across as a woman who loves life and is, consequently, loved back by the audience.

Other familiar characters remind us of how funny this series was.   We have inspired performances by Ali Davenport as the Rev’s sidekick, the dopey verger, Alice,  David Reynolds as the self-important David, Chairman of the Parish Council and Andrew Higson as farmer Owen who fancies the new incumbent.  

Another one with a glint in his eye is Hugh Everett as Hugo, David’s not very bright son, who falls for Alice.

I love the scene where, egged on by the vicar, they enjoy a marathon of a first kiss!

Director, Celia Bonner, includes the programme’s beautiful version of psalm 23.  It brings back memories to the audience.   After all, that is what they are here for.

The highlight is the wedding of Alice and Hugo.   What an amazing dress it is with love hearts all over it!

The programme proudly includes a letter from Ian Gower mentioning  that royalty monies will go to Comic Relief.

We, too, enjoy comic relief.

Until December 7,   Tickets are available from 0161 928 1677 or visit altrinchamgarrick.co.uk   Star Rating * * *