Wonderful festive show is truly heartwarming

Tale of George Bailey leaves warm glow at Concordia

CHRISTMAS is a time for caring, sharing and reflection, writes Tony Parratt.

This certainly rings true, if you were lucky enough to see this heartwarming New Theatre Players production of ‘Wonderful Life’ at the Concordia Theatre last week.

Because this tale of George Bailey, a man who appears to be on the ropes and bounces back, courtesy of an angel’s help is a real Christmas cracker.

Based on the James Stewart weepy, beloved by generations of filmgoers, the stage action started with a radio announcer informing us we would be watching a live broadcast of the story. And Ben Packer as the slick New York announcer helped to quickly set the perfect scenario for the rest of the proceedings.

At first, I was not quite sure if this was necessary, but actually, it did create a feeling of ‘being there’ and being very involved.

Lyndon Vaughan Prosser as George, was his usual impeccable self, keeping up the accent throughout and turning in a faultless and very believable performance. He really did show all the emotions of a man who sees his early dreams thwarted, but who proves to be a real and essential kingpin of his community.

And lending him great support was Sue Williams Lee as Mary, the girl who stole his heart after he promised to lassoo the moon for her. At first George is determined to leave Bedford Falls and the small time banking business his father Peter runs. But after his dad (Colin Blackler) suddenly dies, it is imperative that George takes on the mantle ably supported by his Uncle Billy played by Jeff Bannister.

Mary returns from college and George who is surprised to find that his brother Harry has married just after graduating from university, decides to pay her a visit.

The romance leads to marriage, but the only fly in the ointment is the presence of Mr Potter, a man who wants to own the whole of Bedford Falls and sees George Bailey and his company as the only ones standing in his way. Mike Toone really brought the vengeful scheming and grasping creature to life. And at the end he was booed by the audience, just like a real panto villain!

Keeley Mays was a nice distraction for George as flirty Violet Bick, who has always had a soft spot for him.

And Peter Barber had a nice presence ‘up above’ as Joseph, instructing apprentice angel Clarence how to eventually win his wings, if he could save George.

Because back to the plot, Uncle Billy had lost 8,000 dollars on his way to the bank and George was being relentlessly pursued for the money.

Wracked with guilt and taking to drink, he returns home, has massive rows with his wife and children, before eventually arriving at a bridge over the river where he intends to throw himself into the water.

This was because after trying to borrow money from Potter and offering a life insurance policy, the heartless older man tells George he would be better off financially if he were dead.

Enter Clarence in the form of Iain Hamilton, who proved a wise and witty counsellor who assured George his life has been very worthwhile, especially when he said he wished he had never been born.

Taking George on a trip to this other world, where the town was now Potters Falls, George was alarmed to find noone knew him ranging from the police, his mum or even his wife, who in this world had never married and had become an old maid.

Frightened back to reality, George saw immediately what he was missing and raced home, this time being welcomed by his friends and family.

And from the depths of desperation, he suddenly found they had all rallied round to raise the cash and more to save his life.

Wonderful indeed and added to by some additional seasonal songs and carols, this Joanne Holt production left the whole auditorium with a lovely warm glow ready for their own Christmas.