A Vicar of Dibley Christmas: The Second Coming at The Little Theatre Leicester Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Leanne W
The Little Theatre always holds a cherished place in Leicester’s cultural life, routinely welcoming audiences with a friendly atmosphere and a genuine passion for community-led storytelling. There is an undeniable warmth to the venue, and the volunteer-driven spirit that shapes their productions is always admirable.
A Vicar of Dibley Christmas – The Second Coming (Yes, in July!) is a warm, funny stage adaptation in which Geraldine (Kat Seddon) tries to keep order in the village as chaos unfolds around her. The story follows the arrival of Radio Dibley, Alice’s (Kathryn Lenthall) gradual (and very confused) realisation that she’s pregnant as she and Hugo (Kier Watson) return from honeymoon, and the Parish Council’s attempt to stage a Nativity play at Owen’s (Jordan Handford) farm. As the villagers bumble through rehearsals, misunderstandings, and last‑minute disasters, Geraldine holds everything together with humour and heart, culminating in the delightfully chaotic birth of Alice and Hugo’s baby — a classic Dibley blend of silliness, sweetness, and community spirit which we have come to love. Adapted by Ian Gower & Paul Carpenter; based on the original TV series by Richard Curtis & Paul Mayhew-Archer.
This is the second performance of a Vicar of Dibley play for the Little Theatre, with most of the cast reprising their roles. This production really does have it all, moments of humour and tenderness punctuate throughout. It is obvious why the cast have been recycled for ‘a second coming’, each performing their roles with a unique energy but perfectly emulating the beloved TV characters. The production really is without a weak link. Having previously been nominated for awards it was an obvious choice to add to this season.
Nikki Favell steps back to the helm to direct this production, the finale of the season. The play is enhanced by the set created by Tristan Knowles of splits between The Vicarage, The Parish Hall and The Vestry., The with sound and lighting by Sam Kelly and Sam Milton further adding to the atmosphere. Bringing further charm to the performance are David Horton played by David Lovell, Elizabeth Spendlove as the parish council’s crocheter and bringer of absurd food, Letitia Cropley. Not forgetting a cameo from Tabitha Fogg! Absolute standout performances from Ian Carr as the stammering Jim Trott, Nic Adams as the bumbling Frank Pickle, and Kat Seddon (Geraldine) and Kathryn Lenthall (Alice) this really is an absolutely formidable cast.
I really wish I could have given this play a full five stars, however the first act is slow and with so many scene changes (16!) meant we were unable to fully immerse in the action and it all felt disjointed, whilst the physical scene changes are quick, I think this really prevented the story developing fully. That said, the second act is where this play really shines, it becomes a laugh a minute from Frank’s audition right through to the final scene. I have to say I guffawed several times, and I wasn’t alone.
Overall another exceptional performance from this small but mighty theatre and its family of generous and talented volunteers, an absolute season highlight for me.
It runs until Saturday 18th July 2026 (In a theatre with air conditioning!!) with better availability for evening performances and limited remaining tickets for the Saturday matinee.
Rating: 4.5
13 July 2026–18 July 2026 Tickets are priced between £17.50 and £19
https://thelittletheatre.co.uk/whats-on/a-vicar-of-dibley-christmas-the-second-coming/