It's a Wonderful Life” radio version

What a lovely evening we had watching  the “Too Friendly Theatre Company’s" production of "It's a Wonderful Life” radio version, by Joe Landry which was first performed at the Stamford Centre for the Arts USA in 1996  and was adapted from a much bigger play by the same author, that itself was based on the 1946 Frank Capra movie, which although it was an initial box office failure,  has now become a well-loved American Christmas classic and is said to be the most heart-warming, inspirational and best Christmas film of all time. Here it comes to life in the1940’s when some well-known radio stars are preparing to record a live radio broadcast, performed in front of a studio audience, complete with atmospheric backing music, an applause sign, on-stage sound effects and commercial jingles. The play looks at the life of kind hearted George Bailey, played by Cliff Gillies who gave an intimate touching performance, but as the story unfolds, we see that one fateful Christmas Eve George considers ending his life. George has grown up in an idyllic small town called Bedford Falls, and plans to see the world and build huge things such as skyscrapers when he grows up. But unfortunately, his father dies and he must take over the running of the family’s savings-and-loan business, which along with several other circumstances stops him leaving home. He falls in love and marries Mary (Joanne Wasilew) but when George’s Uncle (Neil Woods) accidentally loses $8,000 it leaves George on the verge of disaster and despair.  It takes help from a lovable slightly bumbling 292-year-old trainee guardian angel called Clarence (Mark Haygarth) who shows George what life would be like for Bedford Falls and his loved ones if he had not been born, before George has a change of heart and understands the true spirit of Christmas and be thankful for what he does have. This talented company of actors managed to put together a very entertaining show which was acted excellently and was funny, while also being incredibly moving. There were nine actors playing thirty roles and each actor brought to life the many surprisingly vivid and believable characters, by using excellent vocal diversity and working together as a team with no weak links, which is very important in this type of production. The pace of the play was spot on and accents were generally respectable with good clear diction meaning the plot could be followed easily. The hardworking cast also included Peter Roney, Mickey Stewart, Tracey Holmes-Smith, with Sue Fryer and Helen Haygarth not only playing small roles but providing all the sound effects from the sound effects table.

There was one static set built by Mark Haygarth with 1940’s period props which transformed the stage and the room into a typical Radio Studio and along with well thought out period costumes which fitted the era well added to the overall feel of the production.

Congratulations to Director Cliff Gillies and to all involved in this production. Thank you for a lovely evening and making us so welcome, the audience certainly appeared to enjoy this production and many of them were wiping the tears from their eyes at the end of the performance.

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