IN choosing a TV comedy gold classic for its summer production, Richmond amateur dramatic society clearly made a popular choice.

A substantial family audience enjoyed some faithful recreations of the original characters.

The “no no no no no no, yes,” of Jim Trott was perfectly emulated by Gerry Throughton, and Jon Cunningham gave a very credible performance as the awkward Hugo Horton.

The prize for capturing the look, mannerisms, accent and tone of voice of the original actor would have to go to Gary Winn, who was superb as the dour Owen Newitt. His marriage proposal to the new vicar was a comic highlight.

Sporting a dark bob, a wide smile and a colourful collection of loud jumpers and cardigans, Ann Greer looked every bit the part of new vicar Geraldine Granger.

Dawn French’s signature irony and dry delivery was less in evidence than her jolly bonhomie. The spirit of the original might have been better conveyed with a little more exasperated sarcasm.

Frequent meetings of the parish council were punctuated by popular highlights from the series, such as Alice’s “I can’t believe it’s not butter,” speech.

As the cast dutifully filed on and off stage to take their places at the trestle table, a curious selection of popular music bridged the scene changes, and a cardboard cut-out of Hugo and Alice’s marathon kiss remained on stage throughout the interval.

Doug Clayton and Martin Ash respectively played the arrogant chairman David Horton and the officious secretary Frank Pickle, while Moira Mason’s Mrs Cropley tried in vain to tempt the assembled with her coconut and anchovy cake.

The costumes and set did the vicarage of St Barnabus proud, and the fairylight bedecked wedding head-dress worn by Alice in the final scene was a triumph.

On stage and off, a good night was had by all.

Christina McIntyre