Frank Cappa’s 1946 film It’s a Wonderful Life, starring James Stewart, is considered by many as one of the greatest films of all time, was nominated for five Academy Awards and its powerful story has become a classic annual watch of the Christmas season. How do you translate such an uplifting and moving story to the stage with just four actors? Reading Rep’s founder Paul Stacey rises to this challenge by directing Mary Elliott Nelson’s adaption in repertory (for the first time) with Potted Panto for their festive offering and delivers a very fine production, perhaps the best since they moved into their own venue in 2021. It is the tale of George Bailey who we meet on the verge of suicide and how Angel Clarrisa discovers the reasons why.

It is beautifully conceived with an exceptional setting by Libby Todd of the bridge and town of Bedford Falls, with period streetlights dusted in snow and slick scene changes to set each location in the town where George Bailey meets his friends and customers. It is lit with subtle charm by Aaron J Dootson with changes to signal the Angel sequences and the alternative life scenarios from those of Bailey’s life flashbacks from 1919 to 1945. The period music and some lovely sound effects by Julian Starr, such as a stone smashing a window at the rear of the auditorium, add to the immersive feel of the production as if we too are Bailey’s townsfolk and customers.

Within this space, the four actors do a brilliant job in bringing the characters to life with simple costume changes and variation of voice. Mark Desebrock plays the central character George Bailey, and we see his caring approach to everyone he meets as each challenge is thrown his way and we learn what has taken him to the point of suicide on Christmas Eve 1946. Charlotte Warner shows great range in performance creating the elderly Aunt Dily, the flirtatious Violet, his heroic sister Harriet, bar manager Mrs Martini and the Angel Gloria. Each is perfectly pitched, and we see their relationship with George and the impact that his small acts of kindness have had on their lives. Eugene Evans is equally called on to portray a range of characters from the villain of the piece Mr Potter to his enthusiastic friend Sam, the gruff and sad shopkeeper Mr Gower, the reliable policeman Bert and the other senior Angel, Joe. Orla O’Sullivan has more time to develop her characters of the apprentice Angel, Clarissa desperate to earn her wings and the delightful Mary Hatch who marries George. She plays the two women who makes sense of his life.

The story’s roots in The Christmas Carol, with George’s eyes being opened to the joys of friendship and loyalty in a Scrooge like redemption gradually become clear and emotionally engage the audience. This is an exceptional piece of theatre, beautifully staged, with charming storytelling, and delightfully acted by the cast of four. Reading Rep is establishing itself as an innovator with a mission to transform lives through theatre. This production demonstrates that traditional storytelling delivered with skill and care can really connect with an audience and open our eyes to the impact that each of us can make on our local community . It’s a powerful message for the time of year and a Christmas treat for Reading audiences. What’s more, it deserves its own after life with Angels to take it on, so more audiences can appreciate George Bailey’s Wonderful Life.

***** Five stars

Reviewed by: Nick Wayne

It’s a Wonderful Life plays at Reading Rep Theatre until 30 December, with further information here.