It’s A Wonderful Life - The Live Radio Show

The challenge here was that this was a youth production in a new venture for many of the young cast on their road to a theatre involvement. The story basically follows the life of George Bailey who does so much in the small town of his childhood. It is set in the depression years through to after the war and we follow his fall and eventual rise in a way that gives hope to all. This is achieved by a cast of twelve who read the many characters through microphones and cover about thirty roles. This was a challenge which was well met for the most part.

All that was needed on stage were the microphones, seating for the many performers and equipment for both the live and tech sound effects. All the audience had to do was listen as we did back in the old days of radio broadcasts.  For the most part, the directors achieve a good standard with the majority of the cast. 

It took some time for the cast to settle into their various roles in a way that clearly differentiated their changing characters. This took some time with the second half much better as they settled into the parts. The sound effects operators, Ethan Bold and Eli Ball, did a very good, fluent job of adding the essentials to the vocals. Miranda Matthews, as the nasty Henry Potter, was consistently the character in a very good performance. Also consistent and quite good were Don Korendijk as Clarence, Maya Phythian as George Bailey          and Lana Tancred as Superintendent Eddy  -  all single character roles.  Practice will make perfect.

This youth production presented an entertaining night at the theatre and I am sure many will be in future productions. It took me back to my youth – and it was a pleasant journey.

William Davies