The Vicar of Dibley. Directed by Jon Ephick. Tempo Theatre. Belconnen Community Theatre, Swanson Court. October 26-November 3, 2018. Tickets via 62752700 or canberraticketing.com.au. $28-35.
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For its second production of 2018, Tempo Theatre is bringing BBC fan favourite The Vicar of Dibley back to the stage.
It's been two years since Karyn Tisdell took to the stage as the vicar Geraldine, making this two-act Christmas sequel quite a homecoming.
The singer, a regular performer in musical theatre productions with Canberra Philharmonic Society and principal singer of Canberra Opera, Tisdell admits acting in plays "stretched her a lot".
Tisdell says, "I'm fine with comedy acting, but the dialogue can be tough without musical cues. I'm used to hearing an orchestra or a piano. I'll hear a certain chord and know what to do. But in plays there's just silence.
"That was hard for me to get my head around the first time. But it's great being able to leave your comfort zone."
Despite this, the role of Geraldine is one she might have been born for. Just ask her mum.
"Mum says the vicar and I share similar traits. I tend to have some of Geraldine's mannerisms in real life ... and I love chocolate.
"Mum and I have always been fans of the show. Years ago when I mentioned I'd be auditioning, she was like: 'Oh, that is just so you.' She is so excited for the play."
With most of the same cast members reprising their roles A Vicar of Dibley Christmas, the story follows the eclectic township of Dibley as it prepares for the Christmas celebrations after Alice and Hugo return from their honeymoon.
So has Mrs Cropley learnt to cook while they’ve been out of Dibley? Does David like his son's new bride yet?
Uncertainty rocks the village in A Vicar of Dibley Christmas, but one thing's for sure: there will be laughs.
"Everyone in Dibley is just so eccentric. They've all got their personalities."
The original BBC series written by Richard Curtis with Dawn French in the titular role ran from 1994 to 1999. But the stage production won't just be for die-hard fans.
Director Jon Elphick says, "2018, like every year, seems to have been a pretty rough year for some, so it's about time everybody had a good laugh.
"So everyone - even those new to the story - will walk out of A Vicar of Dibley Christmas with a smile on their face."
