It's A Wonderful Life

I've seen this play several times but have never seen it performed by such a large cast of twenty-nine actors along with a choir of carol singers: their presence bringing even more quality to an incredible production. Roger Bingham’s creative direction and innovative concepts were exceptional, complemented by effective back projections and stage effects. Scenes moved from street to street, to an office and back again many times. The stage crew and actors alike moved the furniture and props effortlessly.

The storyline transitions across various locations and time periods - the past, present, and future - following George Bailey’s life. He assists in managing a family loan business while dedicating himself to improving the lives of the Bedford Falls residents. He has ambitions to travel the world, but unfortunate circumstances prevent him from leaving Bedford Falls. The business faces significant challenges when Mr Potter, an unscrupulous banker, gets his hands on all its funds, resulting in bankruptcy. Believing his absence is the only solution for his family, George contemplates drastic measures.  Throughout his life George is being watched by three guardian angels, Clarissa, Gloria and Grace. After George prays for help Clarissa, who still needs to earn her wings, steps in to lead and help him find his way back to his family and friends.  

Every member of the cast, either in principal or supporting roles, gave a 100% performance. 

In the opening scene, we see young George (Charlie Betts), his brother Harry (Aaron Sweet) and their friends Mary (Emma Hazelhurst), Sam (Oscar Aspinall) and Violet (Annabel Shirley). These five young talented actors skilfully portrayed their respective characters while effectively establishing both their personalities and aspirations. We then watch these young actors take on various other roles as the play proceeds.

The three angels were well cast - Clarissa (Sarah Betts), watching the proceedings throughout, walked gracefully across the stage and delivered her lines with just the right amount of gentleness, resulting in a lovely performance. Fortunately, Clarissa was awarded her wings. Gloria (Margaret Harrison) and Grace (Pam Bush) were perfect angels.

Daniel Roberts’s acting quality was superb, and he delivered an outstanding performance, while demonstrating an excellent command of the extensive dialogue at a well-judged pace. He skilfully conveyed the emotional complexity required to portray George Bailey and was clearly absorbed in this character. Rachael Hope delivered perfectly the character of George’s loving wife Mary who has a calming effect on him.   His Uncle Billy, brilliantly portrayed by Ian Brady, helps with the business but mistakenly gives $8,000 to Mr Potter instead of depositing it at the bank, and Mr Potter then secretly keeps the money. David Cheetham expertly brought out the deviousness of his character, delivering the dialogue with facial and body language to suit.   

Harry Bailey (Adam Diskin) and Sam Wainwright (Richard Bevan) brought a sense of light-heartedness to Bedford Falls and excelled in their roles. David McClelland portrayed Bert the policeman superbly, keeping the audience informed about George’s life and business developments. John Fereday was convincing as Mr Gower, while Annabel Shirley continued with her lively character of Violet. Rachel Cooper-Bassett played the charming Ruth Dakin Bailey, Harry Bailey’s wife, while Ian Whitehead and Jeanette Roberts convincingly portrayed Mr and Mrs Martini, owners of the Italian restaurant acquired with George's help. Each actor was perfectly cast.

The supporting cast included Stuart Handysides (Mr Welch), Gayle Hazelby (Mrs Thompson), Erica Leach (Mrs Davies), Debbie Munro (Annie), Oscar Aspinall (Tom), Ian Hardy (Arthur Randall), plus other members of Dronfield Players as townspeople and a choir performing carols to complement George Bailey's story.

Congratulations to Roger Bingham, every member of the cast, production and back-stage team all of whom worked very hard to ensure that this production achieved an exceptional standard.

Thank you for a lovely evening’s entertainment, which we thoroughly enjoyed - especially on such a cold evening. It was wonderful to see a full house.

Sue Cox – Drama Rep Region 14

NODA N.E.

 

 

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