Review: Every Time A Bell Rings, Mangled Yarn

Photo credit: Stephanie Crome

The story of how Clarence Odbody, Angel Second Class, earned his wings is a familiar one. But even an angel has to learn their trade, and that’s a much lesser told tale. 

Join Clarence in his angelic education, as his celestial colleagues teach him the ropes, offer him advice and regale him with their own stories of how they gained their flying licences. 

Will he be ready when the call final comes?

This production of Every Time A Bell Rings, directed by Christopher Smart, explores the story in depth of why Clarence Odbody never earned his wings. He is therefore sent to an academy to learn the ways of his celestial colleagues in the hope of finally gaining his wings. 

Performed at The Place Theatre, Bedford by Mangled Yarn Theatre Company, this production was originally meant to be performed in front of live audiences but due to Bedford being placed in tier 4, it meant they could only perform one live show for a seated audience. Subsequently, they recorded the show for people to stream.

The cast, including Ed Ferrow, Kelly Griffiths, Alex Rivers, Neil Jennings & Rhianna Compton, create lots of different characters within the show, which combines local stories of the Bedford community, using different genres such as theatre, film, music, songs, poetry sketches and also a short pantomime. 

The musical interludes in this production are perfect, making it uplifting throughout. The choreography by Kelly Griffiths, costumes by Zoe Hudson and set design by Neil Jennings are also brilliantly put together. 

There are plenty of different sectors within the show, including a 20-minute pantomime, making it suitable for all ages. I particularly loved the creativity within each scene, including a changed lyric version of ‘Big Spender’ and the jokes surrounding the coronavirus guidelines. 

There are also true life stories represented in this production, including a young woman named Sandrine speaking about her experiences of Yarl’s Wood Immigration Removal Centre, based in Bedford. This is interesting to watch, as it gives people an insight into what goes on here. 

Every Time A Bell Rings is a captivating production, that truly embodies what the story was trying to prove. 

A brilliant production with a festive feel.

***** Five stars

Reviewed by: Emily East

Every Time A Bell Rings is available to stream until Christmas Day here.