Wombwell Thespians’ Amateur Dramatic Society

“It’s a Wonderful Life”

Based on the film by Frank Capra. Adapted by Mary Elliott Nelson

The Playhouse, Wombwell, Thursday,17^th October 2024

Directed & Produced by Jeff Tiler

Transferring a well-known film onto the stage can be difficult as, in this case, the storyline moves from one place to another and at different times – to the past, present and the future. In the film, this all moves smoothly but can be hard to replicate on the stage. With Jeff Tiler’s ideas, concepts and direction, along with good back projection and stage effects, it was clear to us where the action was taking place and the transition was easy to follow.

Most of the cast of seven actors took on more than one role, and this meant leaving the stage for a quick costume change and then coming back on as another character. Andy Harris played the very demanding role of George Bailey. This is not an easy character to perform and Andy handled the role very well. Andrea Savage played George’s guardian angel, Clarissa Oddbody, with the correct amount of compassion, and she finally gained her angel’s wings at the end of the play after having saved George’s life. Sue Gent gave a lovely characterisation of Aunt Dilly, as well as one of the angels, Angel Gloria. Andrea Eustis gave a delightful performance as Mary, George’s wife.

The other members of the cast, Robert Wilson, Lewis Conway and Rachel Harris each performed several roles, an incredible five by Robert Wilson and  Lewis Conway, with the right amount of feeling and interpretation of the characters.

Every member of the cast, production and back-stage team worked very hard to ensure that this production achieved a good standard.

Thank you for the invite, the hospitality and a lovely evening out at the theatre.

Sue Cox   

NODA Drama Rep NE, Region 14