"It's like Songs of Praise on acid around here."

So says exasperated daughter Jo (Laura Smith) to female priest Sarah (Naomi Turrell) in this bittersweet dramatic comedy, where everyone's faith - and patience - is tested to their limit.

Entertaining Angels is set in a pleasant, tranquil English vicarage garden, entirely in contrast to the devastating fallout from a series of revelations that unravel following the death of vicar Bardolph (Ian Dunn).

His character proves to be very much larger than life as his widow Grace (Janice Fryett) communicates with him through present-day conversations - albeit acknowledging that 'Bardy' is now in the afterlife - and through memories of their time together.

Grace is stubbornly against the idea of moving on, both with coming to terms with Bardolph's death and with having to leave the parish house in favour of new priest Sarah, but a shock revelation from her eccentric older sister Ruth (Liz Stafford), who appears in her life for the first time in 30 years, sets things in motion.

It turns out everyone has a secret to confess, and while all the characters go through several turbulent moments, the comedy is never too far away with some incisive, cutting lines.

While all the cast excel in their ability to add layers of depth and mystery to their characters as the play unfolds, Chester Theatre Club newcomer Janice Fryett is particularly superb as she transforms Grace from being a simple, uppity fussbudget into a woman you can feel genuine sympathy for.
Ian Dunn, meanwhile, plays 'Bardy' in a brilliantly gentle fashion as a dedicated man of God.

Whether he is but a series of visions by Grace or a genuine visitation from the afterlife, the play gives no hints until the final scene plays out.

Entertaining? Most definitely.