THE curtain came down tonight (Saturday, 12 February) on a short run of performances by Thurrock Courts Players at the Thameside Theatre in Grays.

Brief it may have been, but Courts' adaption of 'The Vicar of Dibley 2' will live long in the memory.

Eight years ago Courts first performed the much-loved TV show as adapted for the stage and it went down a storm.

Plans were laid to bring back a second version, with different iconic moments from the TV series. Covid got in the way but over the past four days laughter rang out at the Thameside when the show was finally put on.

The original cast, with one addition, returned and they produced exceptional performances.

The newcomer is Gemma Cavini who shared the role of Tinker with Louise Alsop. Louise took part in the first Dibley production but was unavailable for the scheduled dates of the new production so Courts newcomer Gemma stepped up.

When Covid brought about a delay, Louise was free but it was agreed to share the role.

I caught a production featuring Gemma, who produced a remarkable reincarnation of much-missed Emma Chambers, in looks character and voice.

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I am sure, having spoken to those who saw her, that Louise was also superb.

Unlike the TV series, this version of Dibley does not see the vicar hogging the limelight. If anything, Jill Snelling's performance is understated - but boy did it work, allowing all the other characterisations to shine.

The inimitable Vic Gray, whose DNA surely carries the Thameside imprint, had patriarch David Horton 'off to a tee', Mike Jones was a remarkably abrupt Owen Nesbitt with perfect timing and delivery and David Carey's Jim Trott - especially when he morphed into Billie Jean King - was terrific - no, no, no, yes he was!

And Lisa Chapman has all the right ingredients to cook up a perfect Mrs Cropley.

Wayne Prince is a thoroughly believeable Hugo but perhaps my favourite was Harry Doyle who stole the night for me with his radio spot!

There are fears that Courts may never tread the Thameside boards again if the theatre is lost to Thurrock Council's cash-saving ambitions. Hopefully that penny-pinching ambition will be defeated by the borough community's love for this venue. You can't put a price on the laughter and joy that Courts created on stage - it would be a crying shame if it isn't going to happen again,