The iconic festive story It’s a Wonderful Life is being brought to a York stage this Christmas.
The show marks the first time Theatre@41 in York has produced its own community production. It will run at the independent theatre on Monkgate from Thursday 10 to Wednesday 23 December.
Mary Elliott Nelson’s stage adaptation of the critically acclaimed Frank Capra film follows down-on-his-luck banker George Bailey who, on Christmas Eve 1946, is paid a visit by his guardian angel.
The 13-strong cast of local actors, some of whom have performed at the theatre before, have already begun rehearsals with director Eija Gibson.
Eija said: “I am absolutely thrilled to have cast such a talented, creative group of community actors. I am so excited to be working with each and every one of them and see the magic this collaboration creates.”
George is played by Alan Park, who last performed at the black box theatre in 2023, starring in Duncan Macmillan’s acclaimed one man show, Every Brilliant Thing, andWhite Rabbit Red Rabbit with Black Treacle Theatre. The Bailey family is made up of Cassi Roberts (Mary Hatch Bailey), Paul Stonehouse (Uncle Billy), and Matthew Wignall (Harry Bailey), who makes his Theatre@41 debut along with Samantha Goddard (Angel Josephine) and Sarah Walker (Violet).
George’s guardian angel is played by Sonia Di Lorenzo and Dara Klymenko, founder of York’s Ukrainian theatre company DSpace, plays Angel Gloria and also joins the creative team as Movement Director.
The play’s antagonist, Mr Potter, is played by Rory Mulvihill. Mark Simmonds, Paul French, Darren Barrott and Lily Geering complete the cast, playing an array of eccentric characters that make up the town of Bedford Falls.
Theatre@41 are now looking for volunteers to fill backstage roles for the production, including stage managers, set builders, painters, and props gatherers. Those interested are encouraged to send an email to [email protected] to find out more.
Theatre@41 trustee, Livy Potter, said: “Theatre@41 is a volunteer-powered theatre, and we’re incredibly proud of this. Over the past five years, we’ve helped dozens of local residents learn about putting on shows and creating theatre with and for communities in York.
“We’re keen for this production to be an opportunity for the people of the city to develop new skills whilst bringing the world of Bedford Falls to life in our studio. We can’t wait to throw a lasso round the moon to re-create the most life affirming of Christmas stories.”
Tickets for It’s a Wonderful Life are £18 and available via the Theatre@41 website.