The TV show The Vicar of Dibley graced our screens for little more than three years, all of 20 episodes, with specials reuniting the cast and characters in years to follow.
To many viewers, they became welcome visitors into their homes during their programmed screenings.
The characters, if not the cast, are back. Chris McKenzie is directing The Vicar of Dibley at Amdram and rehearsals are in full swing.
Patrick McKenna and Ian Jones play parishioners Owen Newitt and Jim Trott. Patrick is probably better known as the proprietor of a popular second-hand bookshop in Ridgway St, but Ian has appeared on Whanganui stages for quite some time, going back to RSA Little Theatre.
"I've been in theatre since I was about 15," says Patrick. "I've got back into it because I stopped five or six years ago. I used to do a lot of musical theatre, character parts, and the last show I did was Oh What a Lovely War in Masterton with Harlequin."
Patrick stopped performing when he operated his bookshop in Waverley, but has recently moved to Whanganui.
"Having come here, I thought, why not? It's a good way to meet people and it's a good way to get into the community and become part of it." Patrick auditioned for the role of Owen.
When he was leaving Masterton four years ago they were doing The Vicar of Dibley and it was suggested he would have made a great Owen, had he not been leaving.
"Then it came up again here. I thought I'll go and see if I do make a good Owen, so here I am."
Ian Jones has found his defining role with Jim Trott. It's the part he wanted, it suits him, and no-one will say otherwise.
He has usually played quirky characters, like Manuel in Fawlty Towers, Baldrick in Blackadder, and now the eccentric Jim.
"Everyone's starting to get to know each other," he says. "Building that bond as people helps to develop your own character."
Ian likes to get into character the moment he arrives at rehearsal.
"To get into the part and to bounce off those you're working with, and it helps others develop their characters as well." Patrick and Ian are having fun and both enjoy working with Chris as director.
"I haven't worked with a director like Chris before, and I really enjoy his style," says Patrick. "The actors know what they're doing. Give them some guidance but let them develop and work it out."
Ian says Chris has been very good at showing how to improve comic timing. He has worked with Chris before and likes his laid-back approach.
