It's A Wonderful Life at The Bridge House Theatre

By Sophia Longhi

Is there any other way to see in the Christmas holidays than sitting down to watch the beloved Christmas classic, It's A Wonderful Life? The black and white 1946 film, starring James Stewart, tells a heartwarming story that is retold year upon year, never failing to resonate with each one of us. This year, The Bridge House Theatre in Penge brings the tale to the stage in the form of a live radio broadcast, written by Tony Palermo and directed by Guy Retallack.

We all know the story: the young and idealistic George Bailey from Bedford Falls sets out his life plans ahead of him - to go to college, to see the world - but commitments to friends and family eventually cost him his dreams and he is destined to never leave the small New York town he grew up in. Circumstances become so desperate that George contemplates taking his own life, yet unbeknown to him, Heaven is watching and his Guardian Angel, Clarence, itching to get his wings, is sent down to earth to show him what the world would have been like if he hadn't been in it.

Such a huge story, in heart and in length, would be a challenge to put on any stage, but Tony Palermo's inventive adaptation allows for any space, even one as small as The Bridge House, to run with it without losing the detail or the poignancy of the story. Having said that, it could only be successful with a brilliant company, who are adaptive, creative and skilled in their craft to be able to pull it off - and in this case they really do.

The stage is abuzz with energy at all times throughout the fast-paced production, but not exhaustingly so; there are also quieter, touching moments which benefit from such an intimate venue, like the loving interactions between George and Mary. All of the actors exhibit their talents to be able to morph between roles so deftly - perhaps most memorably Gillian Kirkpatrick, the Superintendent of Angels, who transforms from a rather sultry, velvet-voiced creature of Heaven, to elementary-aged, wide-eyed Janie - or our jolly radio announcer, Daniel Hill, who is unrecognisable as he becomes the sneering Mr Potter.

The role of George Bailey is perhaps the most difficult to put a stamp of individuality on, as Jimmy Stewart is so iconic in the role, but Gerard McCarthy plays George with conviction, gusto and, most importantly, heart - which, when it comes down to it, is what keeps us returning to this story every year.

Watching It's A Wonderful Life as a live radio play on stage is a magical experience: how such a big story is told with so little to tell it with demonstrates the slickness of the staging, the direction and the acting, with simple but striking attention to detail going such a long way. It is the ultimate Christmas spirit booster and this version of it allows the weight of story to shine through, without losing any of its warmth and message.

4 stars

Bridge House Theatre

2 High Street

Penge

Running until Sunday 4 January 2015. Tickets £12.50-£16.50 + booking fee.

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