Comedy classic hits Beechworth stage

AUDIENCES are set to be hilariously entertained when an amateur production of The Vicar of Dibley hits the stage this weekend. Beechworth Theatre Company (BTC) performers with some talented youngsters from Beechworth’s Montessori School have been rehearsing for the comedy since earlier this year. The play based on episodes of the first two series written by Ian Gower and Paul Carpenter was adapted from the popular British sitcom series by Richard Curtis and Paul Mayhew-Archer, with the vicar played by Dawn French. Set in the fictitious village of Dibley in South East England’s Oxfordshire in the mid-90s from when female Vicars could be ordained, Geraldine Granger arrives to her new position full of enthusiasm and love for her eclectic flock. With the conservative congregation coming to terms with the appearance of their new female vicar, the play makes its way through Geraldine’s (played by Lyndal Perry) various encounters. Directing a play for Beechworth Theatre Company for the first time, Kath Buckingham has an in-depth background in acting, singing and directing plays when in Melbourne before a move to Beechworth two years ago. Kath said the talent of the actors in the BTC play has been exciting. “They’re exceptionally hard working, funny and such a pleasure to work with,” she said. “We've worked very hard and have practiced two evenings a week and Sunday afternoons since around February.” Kath said many people have watched or are familiar with the BBC television show. “I think it's a show that a lot of us can relate to and Dawn French is in the country at the moment and will be in Brisbane when we're performing,” she said. Performances are being held at the Beechworth Memorial Hall on the weekend of Friday, May 10 from 7.30pm to 10pm, Saturday May 11, from 5pm to 7.30pm, and Sunday, May 12 from 2pm to 4.30pm. The show will also be performed on Saturday, May 18, from 5pm to 7.30pm, and Sunday, May 19 from 2pm to 4.30pm. Tickets can be purchased at the door or visit www.stickytickets.com.au with a search for the Vicar of Dibley. Visit www.beechworththeatrecompany.com.au for more information. * What's on briefs * Ross Wilson and The Peaceniks in Wangaratta ONE of Australia's most awarded, respected and well-known artists, Ross Wilson and his all-star band The Peaceniks, will perform 50 Years of Hits at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre on Friday, May 10 at 8pm. The show includes all the Daddy Cool and Mondo Rock favourites you’d expect, along with the latest offering from an almost six-decade career, tracks from his latest EP and everything in between. Twice inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame, Wilson’s live performances are legendary, with tickets available now at wpacc.com.au. * Future Now exhibition at the library THE Future Now exhibition from the Australian Museum in Sydney is open at the Wangaratta Library. The exhibition was developed to demonstrate positive solutions for the future and to explore the impacts of climate change through interactive displays. Take a look into a hopeful future with three dioramas featuring scale models and audio-visual content bringing sustainable landscapes to life and highlighting innovative solutions for tackling the impacts of climate change. Featuring everything from community gardens to flying taxis, each pod explores how solutions can be applied to your home life or community, and they are on display until June 4. * Wangaratta community market THE Wangaratta community market runs every Sunday at Moore Than Swimming, located at 11-13 Mason Street in Wangaratta, from 8am until 1pm. There is a wide range of stalls to browse with new and used items, plants, fruit and veg and more, with refreshments also on site. Stalls are available for $20 each (no bookings required) and car boot sales are $15 each with more information via the market's Facebook page. * Bright autumn art exhibition THE 62nd Annual Autumn Art Exhibition is being held at the Bright Art Gallery and Cultural Centre until May 12. See a wide range of beautiful paintings, sculptures, ceramics and jewellery by award-winning artists from around Australia, with all artworks for sale. It's open daily from 10am until 4pm in Mountbatten Avenue and entry is $5. * Janet Leith’s Melancholia exhibition WANGARATTA artist Janet Leith will be launching her solo exhibition Melancholia at the Benalla Art Gallery today. In the exhibition Ms Leith explores the pre-nineteenth century system belief relating to humoral therapy in her art. The exhibition will have its grand opening today at 3pm and will be open until June 23. * Wangaratta Farmers Market THE Wangaratta Farmers Market runs on the second Saturday of each month and offers a range of local produce. All the stallholders are located within 100km of Wangaratta and sell locally grown, sourced and made product. The next market is on Saturday, 11 May at the Holy Trinity Cathedral Gardens.

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