IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE - TOWN AND GOWN PUB THEATRE

Wonderful. The original (and largely bypassed) definition of that word means something evoking wonder, astonishment, surprise and delight. ‘It’s a Wonderful Life, a Live Radio Play’ burst into life at the Town and Gown last night. A fiendishly clever version of the famous Frank Capra movie it is indeed something to wonder at. Presented as a visual ‘radio play’, the setting is that of a 1940s New York studio. Five actors prepare to go ‘live on air’ and are surrounded by the gubbins of the wireless: old-fashioned stand mics and a whole toy shop of SFX low-tech paraphernalia – a crash box, sand tray evoking footsteps and many more deliberately fun, actor-controlled, clicks, whistles, clip-clops, bubbles and squeaks. That alone makes the ‘radio play’ a delight to watch and hear.

For those from other planets, the plot revolves around George Bailey, a more than decent human with a strong sense of public duty as head of a small-town bank in upstate NY. A family man packed with integrity he is up against Mr. Potter, a thoroughly bad egg – scheming, avaricious and a Rachmanesque landlord. Despite his innate goodness, George, is pushed to attempted suicide only to be saved by a guardian angel (literally) who shows him what life in the town would be like if he had never been born.

The five actors brought small-town America on to an even smaller stage. Masters of voice and characters they turned on a dime to offer an epic cast. If nothing else this was a theatrical masterclass. It was very funny, and yet could tug at the most resistant heart string.

 Jaymes Sygrove was an outstanding Jimmy Stewart (who made the role of George his own until this Brit actor came along). He was more than ably supported by Anton Tweedale as narrator, the evil Potter, head of the heavenly angels and many more. The others: Kieren Dee, Laura Mead and Sam Carlyle were equally talented and a delight to watch.

It is a strongly moral tale of good over evil, a paeon to the power of decency. With its tribute to old fashioned radio before it became gaga, this Town and Gown production, deftly directed by Karl Steele, is a perfect seasonal offering. It not only jerks a tear or two but raises many a smile and in the end produces a very warm mince-pie feeling. This ‘It’s A Wonderful Life’ is in the old-fashioned sense, truly wonderful.

The show continues to 27 December.