A STAGE adaptation of a much-loved classic Christmas film is coming to Chester this week.
Chester-based Disley Theatrical Productions will stage the iconic It’s a Wonderful Life at St Mary’s Creative Space, Chester, from Thursday, November 21, until Saturday, November 23, at 7.30pm – plus matinee performances at 2.30pm on Saturday, November 23, and Sunday, November 24.
Based on the critically acclaimed, Oscar winning 1946 film starring James Stewart and adapted for the stage by Mary Elliott Nelson, It's a Wonderful Life tells the story of down-on-his-luck banker George Bailey, a man who has given up his personal dreams in order to help others in his community but feels that life has passed him by.
At the end of his tether, and ready to give up, George is amazed when his guardian angel, Clarrisa pays him a visit on Christmas Eve to show him all the lives he's touched and what life in his beloved town of Bedford Falls would be like without him. George begins to realise that maybe it's a wonderful life after all.
The production will be directed for Disley Theatrical Productions by Gail Young.
Gail said: “It’s a Wonderful Life is an iconic film and a firm favourite for many people in the run up to Christmas. When I read the stage version I couldn't resist saying yes to directing the show for Disley Theatrical Productions - and I am sure our performances will hit all the right spots for our audiences.
“You'll see a potted version of George Bailey's life in the small American town of Bedford Falls. You'll watch him grow up, and you will warm to all the good things that have happened in his time on earth. You'll empathise with the heartaches and disappointments he has to face, and hope that in a time of utter despair and hopelessness he finally comes to realise that he has indeed had a wonderful life.”
She added: “I'm delighted to be working with such an incredible cast as this really is a challenging play to perform. Plus, understandably, there will be very high audience expectations! Equally challenging has been the task of setting the scene of Bedford Falls using atmospheric lighting and sound to enhance the unfolding story. All in all, I will be totally exhausted on opening night! It's been a tough task to recreate such a revered film on stage, but, like George Bailey's life, it's been a real team effort, and we've all had a truly wonderful time in rehearsals.”
Full details of It’s a Wonderful Life can be found at: www.ticketsource.co.uk/disleytheatricalproductions .
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