It's A Wonderful Life

Bolton Little Theatre take on the UK’s third favourite festive film of all time - the story of George Bailey from Bedford Falls. Originally adapted from a short story called The Greatest Gift by Philip Van Dorten. The 1946 film was produced by Frank Capra. Since then it has been a radio and stage play, the latter adapted by Mary Elliot Nelson.

Bolton Little Theatre uses a composite set. With sign Downstage saying Welcome to Bedford Falls. The set is in layers to give depth to the stage. With Centre Stage being the Building and Loan company with signage and desk and ode to James Stewart with his picture on the wall. To the right of this Upstage was a bridge giving height to the set and complete with snow. Stage Right was Martini’s Bar again with signage and bar. To Stage Left was the Gower drug store with shelves of potions. A walk way was then at the side to get off and on stage with a sign post. Then Stage Left was an abandoned house front. When the scene plays out, life is seen as if George was not born. The cast flip the set to see a world dominated by Mr Potter and a more gloomy Potterville with name changes and the shops alter. The derelict house also becomes George and Mary’s home complete with Christmas decorations. All props looked of the age with old-fashioned till, candlestick & vintage corded telephone and community pay-phone on the wall.  Set Design Peter Scofield and Helen Livesey. Set Construction Jeff Lunt, Helen Livesey, Steve Butler, Andrew Gardwell, Tony Lorant, Peter Beckwith and Peter Scofield. Props Jade Mulraney and Helen Livesey. Stage Manger Emily Hill. The Costumes all looked in keeping and of the era with some quick costume changes for some actors playing more than one role. I am not sure if costume or props - but just a thought about putting stuffing in the handbags so it looks authentic and doesn’t look flat and like a prop. Wardrobe by Janet Hardman.

Lighting and Sound all added to the atmosphere Lighting Design by John Lyon and Peter Gower, operation by Nigel Cropper. Sound Design by John Lyon and James Walton and Operation by James Walton. Peter Scofield directs and the stage play is told in a series of vignettes and flashbacks. While set in 1940’s the cultural zeitgeist is strong and the themes and morals still apply to society. Peter captures this and we are taken along with the main character George. A good man always looking out for others even from an early age. Making the choice to cast more actors but some still having to double up or even take on three roles worked - especially the opening and the end where more voices worked well. The set designed by Peter and Helen allows the actors to move freely and scenes flow into each other also with the use of the actors changing the set. Accents were kept up.

The cast Mrs Randall played by Emily Hill, Mrs Davies played by Laraine Scofield, Mrs Thompson played by Sylvia Swain, Ruth Dakin-Bailey & Mrs Macklin played by Olivia Rangeley made up the ensemble and played the townsfolk in Goerge’s life and added to the singing, especially at the end. Jack Maidment played George’s younger brother Harry Bailey and Mr Welch. Dean Lane played Uncle Billy George’s weak uncle who worked with him at the bank and contributed to his misfortune. Mark Bloomfield took on the roles of Mr Gower the absent-minded chemist and Bert the Cop. Julie Burrell took on the role of Angel Gloria and Violet Bick desperate to get out of Bedford Falls. Ben Kilburn took on three roles - Sam Wainwright, Mr Martini and Tom. The jovial successful Sam a friend in more ways than one is perhaps actually the Angel. John Devy plays Clarence the angel waiting for his wings and he gets them at last.

Dan Ryan plays Angel Joseph and the objectionable Mr Potter. We get to see how Mr Potter would rule if it were not for George. Dan played mean convincingly and the scene with the newspaper and money was well played. Abbie Jones took on the role of Mary. Abbie grew through the journey with Mary and was completely believable in her portrayal of Mary. Abbie worked well with Andrew playing the titular role of George Bailey. There was good chemistry on stage between them. Andrew played George with great care for the character and even had a voice change when playing the younger George. George a good man, we witness his spiralling downwards and his utter shock at what life would be without him and his input into the town. The audience went on the journey with him until he realised ‘it’s a wonderful life.’ Well played Andrew.

Thank you to Bolton Little Theatre for the invite and hospitality from my guest Angela and I. Job done I did come out feeling all Christmassy.

Liz Hume-Dawson

District 5 Rep.

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