Introduction

Possum Park Productions Inc. (ppptheatre.com) is thrilled to announce auditions for our upcoming production of "The Vicar of Dibley" in Bendigo! We are looking for talented individuals to join our cast and bring this beloved story to life. The play will hit the stage in March 2026, with rehearsals starting in December 2025.

• Information Sheet (A Word version of what you are reading now)

• Registration Form (A few details about you. Please email to contact@ppptheatre.com)

About Possum Park Productions

Possum Park Productions is a community theatre group based in Bendigo, dedicated to bringing high-quality theatrical performances to the local community. We pride ourselves on our inclusive and supportive environment, where creativity and collaboration are encouraged. Our productions range from classic plays to contemporary works, and we are committed to providing opportunities for local talent to shine both on and off the stage.

About the Play

"The Vicar of Dibley" is a stage adaptation of the popular British TV sitcom created by Richard Curtis and Paul Mayhew-Archer. The show originally aired on the BBC from 1994 to 2007 and follows the hilarious and heartwarming adventures of Geraldine Granger, a female vicar, as she navigates the quirky and lovable residents of the fictional village of Dibley.

Synopsis

The play revolves around the arrival of Geraldine Granger, the new vicar of Dibley, who surprises the conservative villagers with her modern and unconventional approach to religion. As she settles into her new role, Geraldine forms close bonds with the eccentric locals, including the bumbling parish council chairman, David Horton, and the sweet but dim-witted verger, Alice Tinker. Through a series of comedic and touching events, Geraldine helps the villagers embrace change and discover the true meaning of community.

Character Descriptions

Geraldine Granger

• Age Range: 35–55

• Accent: Standard British (RP or mild regional)

• Appearance: Warm, expressive, slightly flamboyant; often wears clerical attire with quirky accessories.

• Character Notes: The central character—a female vicar with a big heart, quick wit, and progressive views. She’s confident, compassionate, and often the voice of reason in the village’s chaos.

David Horton

• Age Range: 50–65

• Accent: Upper-class British

• Appearance: Conservative, well-groomed, formal attire.

• Character Notes: Chairman of the Parish Council. Traditional, pompous, and resistant to change. Often clashes with Geraldine but has a hidden soft side.

Alice Tinker

• Age Range: 20–35

• Accent: Light West Country or Midlands

• Appearance: Innocent, whimsical, often wears bright or mismatched clothing.

• Character Notes: Geraldine’s verger. Sweet but extremely naïve. Her bizarre logic and childlike wonder bring much of the show’s humor.

Hugo Horton

• Age Range: 25–40

• Accent: Similar to David Horton (his father), but softer

• Appearance: Shy, awkward, gentle demeanor.

• Character Notes: David’s son. Kind-hearted and timid. Deeply in love with Alice, often caught between her and his domineering father.

Owen Newitt

• Age Range: 40–60

• Accent: Strong rural West Country

• Appearance: Scruffy, earthy, often in work clothes.

• Character Notes: Local farmer. Blunt, crude, and often inappropriate, but loyal and well-meaning.

Jim Trott

• Age Range: 50–70

• Accent: Stuttering rural British

• Appearance: Slightly disheveled, modest clothing.

• Character Notes: Known for his stammering “No-no-no-no-yes!” speech pattern. Kind and supportive, though often confused.

Frank Pickle

• Age Range: 50–70

• Accent: Mild British

• Appearance: Neat, reserved, wears glasses.

• Character Notes: Parish Council secretary. Dull and long-winded, often ignored. Reveals surprising personal details in a deadpan manner.

Letitia Cropley

• Age Range: 60–80

• Accent: Eccentric British

• Appearance: Elderly, quirky, colorful attire.

• Character Notes: Known for her bizarre culinary creations and eccentric behavior. A beloved oddball with a heart of gold.

Information Night

• Date: Tuesday, 7 October 2025

• Time: 7pm

• Location: The Engine Room, View Street Bendigo

Audition Details

• Date: Sunday, 19 October 2025

• Time: 1:00 PM

• Location: Manchester Unity Hall, 24 High Street, Eaglehawk

• Follow-Up Session: If necessary, a follow-up session will be held on Sunday, 26 October.

• Preparation: Please prepare a short monologue and be ready to read from the script. We encourage you to familiarize yourself with the characters and the story.

• Process: Auditions will be held as an informal table read but may also involve working on some excerpts from the play and character work. Auditioners are encouraged to bring a short theatrical resume if they have one. Depending on numbers, we may also book in some specific times for auditions.

• Accents: Some characters would benefit from an accent (Welsh for Owen, Yorkshire for Jim, received pronunciation for David Horton and Geraldine), but other characters can be played with a more generic 'English'. Don't be put off by this, though, as we will play around with a range of accents.

Rehearsal Schedule

• Commencement: Rehearsals will begin on 2 November 2025 and continue through to the performance in March, with a break for Christmas.

• Days: Rehearsals will be held on Tuesday evenings and Sunday afternoons.

• Attendance: Not all cast members will be required to attend every rehearsal.

Performance Details

• Venue: The Vicar of Dibley will be performed at the Engine Room (Old Fire Station) in View Street, Bendigo.

• Production Week: Commences on 10 March 2026.

• Opening Night: Friday, 13 March 2026.

• Closing Night: Saturday, 21 March 2026.

Musicians Wanted

In addition to performers and production staff, we are also looking for musicians to provide short and comical musical interludes between scenes. If you or someone you know is interested, please reach out to us.

Backstage roles

• Set construction.

• Backstage crew

• Lighting and sound

• Costumes

• Web management

• Program, marketing and design.

Further Information

For more information, please visit our website: (https://www.ppptheatre.com/) Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PossumPark/) Email us at: [contact@ppptheatre.com]