Three appreciative audiences have enjoyed the latest Piggery Lane Players production, ‘Don’t Get Your Vicars in a Twist’. The show, which ran this past weekend, featured a mix of much-loved PLP veterans and talented newcomers, all of whom delivered a high-energy performance that left audiences thoroughly entertained.
Written by Lesley Bown and Ann Gawthorpe, the play, presented courtesy of David Spicer Productions, was a whirlwind of mistaken identities and hilarious chaos. The plot centered on George (Wayne Bandel), the church warden, who had seized a chance to make some extra cash by renting out the vicarage to a murder mystery company while the vicar (Emily Donnell) was away. The result was a fast-paced comedy of errors with characters constantly entering and exiting through seven doors in perfectly timed comedic mayhem. The audience enjoyed the challenge of anticipating which door might open next! And whether those hiding behind them might be discovered.
There was cross-dressing with quick changes behind the scenes – from proprietor to maid (Murray Miller), from church warden to female vicar (Wayne Bandel and Will Lynch), and angry actor to female vicar (Tom Krelle). There were two bishops – one real (Jeff Woodward) and one fake (Beau Lovett), a flirty guest (Steph Lynch) and a sultry actress (Karen Prenzler), and a couple audience favourites, the two sisters (Andrea McColl and Karen Shurdington) who had no idea what was going on but were determined to find out. Each one enacted their character brilliantly.
Directing this required a master, and Deanne Bandel was the perfect person, not only inspiring the cast to bring their characters to life and perfect their comedic timing, but also communicating her vision for the set to Will Lynch whose craftsmanship was on full display in the stunning, multi-door country vicarage, complete with steps leading to the attic.
On their Facebook page, Piggery Lane Players have thanked the community for their continued support. Comments in reply include, “another great performance”, “wonderfully entertaining show”, “plenty of laughs”, “a lot of fun” and “thank you for the entertainment”.
It was a work of art, a wonderful display of local talent, a massive undertaking. Congratulations to director, Deanne Bandel, and the dedicated cast and crew for their months of hard work which culminated in a high-quality, entertaining show enjoyed by all.
See more photos in next week’s edition.
This article appeared in Nhill Free Press & Kaniva Times, 27 August 2025.
