By Wendy Cook
New musical World Premiere at New Wolsey, Ipswich
Most people are familiar with the classic film It's a Wonderful Life. The story of George Bailey, who grows up in the small American town of Bedford Falls and longs to travel and escape, however circumstances keep him from his dreams of adventure. Almost in financial ruin, George decides his only choice is to end his life, when he meets a guardian angel, who takes him on a journey looking back at his life and giving him an insight as to how different the lives of his family and friends would be had he never been born.
From the opening scenes, where Ace, our guardian angel, played by Jo Servi, is suspended from the roof of the theatre the audience is hooked. This new musical version of it's a Wonderful Life provides a minimalist set which means you are focused on the characters and they certainly didn't disappoint.
The children playing the early portion of George's life were truly amazing and showed great talent for their young years. There's sure to be some stars of the future amongst them!
Paul Thornley, as George, really made the character believable as you watched him look back at his life, and felt his pain as he was shown what would have become of Bedford Falls had he never existed. His interaction with Mary, Helen Anker, was just wonderful and you really thought that they were a couple in love.
The whole cast of this production are just fabulous, however particular mention to Paul Leonard for his portrayal of Potter, who truly was the villain of the piece.
The musical format really works and only adds to the atmosphere of this well-known story, the standing ovation at the end of the performance said it all. It's a Wonderful Life, really is...Well, wonderful.