Most people will be familiar with the 1946 Frank Capra film ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’, writes Claire Faulkner.
And I’ll admit that it is probably one of my favourite Christmas films of all time.
So when I heard that ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ would be at The Lyceum in Crewe I couldn’t help but wonder how the story would transfer to the stage?
Cleverly staged and performed as a live radio transmission, complete with advert breaks, the audience are drawn in and encouraged to take part.
It works very, very well.
Directed by Guy Retallack, the company of six actors take on multiple roles to tell us the story of ‘George’, his time in Bedford Falls and a second class angel called ‘Clarence’.
Technically brilliant and well performed. It was an outstanding piece of theatre.
All of the cast were wonderful to watch.
Both Oliver Stoney, who played ‘George Bailey’, and Richard Albrecht, who played ‘Clarence’, seemed perfect for their roles.
As were Lynsey Bauchamp as the ‘Superintendent’ and Augustina Seymour as ‘Mary’.
David Benson, apart from having one of the best voices I think I’ve ever heard, plays a perfectly villainous ‘Potter’.
Due to the multiple characters being played by each actor, at one point Benjamin Chamberlain as ‘Harry’ and ‘Ernie’ appears having a conversation with himself, but in the radio setting it was brilliant and the audience loved it.
‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ is touring the UK, I do hope that this production returns to The Lyceum next year.
I for one would go back and see this again.
Recent Comments