Radio’s Top Secret Agent Takes to the Stage

Danger for Dick Barton (Kevin Myers) as Baron Scarheart (Steve Saunders) creeps up on him. (PHOTO: PHIL MANSELL)

Long before James Bond there was only one secret agent who grabbed the public’s imagination – Dick Barton.

The nation was enthralled by his adventures on the “wireless” as he battled against a legion of dastardly villains.

Now, these tales of derring-do are being recreated on the stage of the Dolman Theatre when Newport Playgoers present ‘Dick Barton – Special Agent’.

The BBC Announcer (Richard Dymond) gets a fright from the sound effects man (Bruce Campbell) (PHOTO: PHIL MANSELL)

Written as a parody of the 1940s radio series complete with cliff-hanger endings and song and dance routines, this show has something to appeal to those who remember the original series and younger members who have yet to experience the thrill of the Devil’s Gallop!

Audiences will enjoy the laughs as thrills as Dick, along with his trusty sidekicks Jock and Snowy, sets out to thwart the forces of evil whose plot to poison Britain’s tea supply threatens the very future of the nation.

Marta Heartburn (Ros Jones-Griffiths) cracks the whip. (PHOTO: PHIL MANSELL)

Dick and his chums find themselves tangled in an adventure soaked with intrigue and mystery, as they face arch enemies Marta Heartburn and Baron Scarheart – all the while finding the time to sing a few songs along the way – and save the day!

A tense moment for Dick Barton (Kevin Myers) when Scarheart (Steve Saunders) pulls a gun on him. (PHOTO: PHIL MANSELL)

 ‘Dick Barton – Special Agent’ is at the Dolman Theatre from 15 – 18 January 2014 at 7.15 pm, with an extra matinee performance on the Saturday at 2.30 pm. To book tickets call 01633 263670 or visit dolmantheatre.co.uk.  

Daphne (Nicola Carlyle) and Jock (John Sheen) are captured by Baron Scarheart (Steve Saunders) (PHOTO: PHIL MANSELL)

Baron Scarheart (Steve Saunders) plots a fiendish plan with Marta Heartburn (Ros Jones-Griffiths) (PHOTO: PHIL MANSELL)

Actor’s Hair-raising Role Raises £500 for Charity as He Goes Bald for Vicar of Dibley!

A leading light of local amateur theatre has raised £500 for charity by having his head shaved for his role in ‘The Vicar of Dibley’.

Jerry Grummit (centre) is congratulated by the cast of ‘The Vicar of Dibley’ (left to right) John Davies, Peter Bourne, Karen Davies, Ryan Salter, Rachel Fenwick, and Chris Edmunds. (PHOTO: PHIL MANSELL)

Jerry Grummit, who plays snobby David Horton in the stage version of the hit sitcom, had to lose his hair as there are many jokes about his character being bald.

So, he thought he’d use the hair-raising experience to raise money for the Mcmillan Nurses charity.

Jerry Grummit, in his role as haughty David Horton, prior to having his head shaved for charity. (PHOTO: PHIL MANSELL)

“I thought it was a very worthwhile cause as it provides invaluable support for cancer sufferers and their families,” said 57-year-old Jerry who lives in Blackwood. “So far, through sponsorship I’ve raised £500 and hope to make it even more.”

Jerry, who is an Openreach Works Controller with BT, has been involved in amateur theatre for over 35 years and has played a variety of roles, but admits that being in ‘The Vicar of Dibley’ has been most fun.

“This is my first part with Newport Playgoers and everyone has been so very warm and welcoming I’ve felt really at home.

Jerry Grummit in action onstage with Karen Davies who plays Rev Geraldine Granger. (PHOTO: PHIL MANSELL)

“My character is a very stuffy person and much of the comedy revolves around his strait-laced attitude to everything – particularly the arrival of a new vicar who is a woman.”

The play gives audiences a chance to revisit the quiet village of Dibley and meet its many insane inhabitants as the new female vicar, Geraldine Granger, takes up her post.  As with the TV show much of the fun is provided by the eccentric members of. Dibley Parish Council, from dithering Jim Trott to eccentric cook Letitia Cropley.

Jerry (centre) is toasted by the cast of ‘The Vicar of Dibley’ for his charity fund-raising efforts. (PHOTO: PHIL MANSELL)

‘The Vicar of Dibley’ is at the Dolman Theatre from 13 – 16 November at 7.15 pm, with an extra matinee performance on the Saturday at 2.30 pm. To book tickets call 01633 263670 or visit www.dolmantheatre.co.uk.

Newport Youngsters Share Stage with Vicar of Dibley

Bright sparks: the children all know the answers when Rev Geraldine Granger (Karen Davies) asks the questions while Alice (Rachel Fenwick) looks on. (Photo: Phil Mansell)

 Schoolchildren from Newport are all set to tread the boards with TV’s ‘Vicar of Dibley’ as the stage version of the show comes to the Dolman Theatre.      

Twenty five youngsters from the children’s Dolman Theatre Works auditioned and eight were chosen to be in a scene set in a Sunday school run by the loveable but dim verger Alice Tinker, played by Rachel Fenwick.

The children of Dibley (left to right) Alex Haywood, Olivia Tune, Theo Bishop, Niamh Pitman and Caitlin Anderson. (Photo: Phil Mansell)

“They are a lovely bunch of kids who are really excited about being in the play,” said director Rosie Bissex.

“In fact, they are so enthusiastic they are also helping with props and anywhere else they can lend a hand. I’m sure they’ll steal every scene they’re in!”

Olivia Tune practises her curtsey when she meets the new vicar (Karen Davies). (Photo: Phil Mansell)

“It’s been great fun rehearsing the play,” said 12-year-old Olivia Tune who goes to Caerleon Comprehensive School.

“I have to do a curtsey when I meet the new vicar. We all love the TV series and are really enjoying being in the stage show.”

“The children have been a joy to work with and are showing a real talent for acting,” said Karen Davies who plays the part made famous by Dawn French.

The play will give audiences a chance to revisit the quiet village of Dibley and meet its many insane inhabitants as the new female vicar, Geraldine Granger, takes up her post.

‘The Vicar of Dibley’ is at the Dolman Theatre from 13 – 16 November at 7.15 pm, with an extra matinee performance on the Saturday at 2.30 pm. To book tickets call 01633 263670 or visit www.dolmantheatre.co.uk.