It’s A Wonderful Life
★★☆☆☆ Heartwarming
Church Hill Theatre: Wed 26 – Sat 29 Nov 2025
Review by Erin Frances Speirs
Mary Elliott Nelson’s adaptation of the critically-acclaimed classic 1946 film, It’s A Wonderful Life, is a heartwarming, festive watch in Leitheatre’s production running at the Church Hill Theatre until 29 November.
The play takes audiences on a journey through George Bailey’s life to see how this small-town boy with a big heart found himself standing on a bridge near Bedford Falls on the verge of suicide, one Christmas Eve
A scene from Leitheatre’s It’s A Wonderful Life. Pic: Marion Donohoe.
While two angels (Manuela Mastrogiovanni and David Reynolds) look on and discuss George’s plight, Clarissa – another angel who wishes to gain her wings – decides to help George by taking him back through moments in his life to determine how he got to this desperate place.
Clarissa sees that he is a man who helps all those around him. He gives up his own dreams and ambitions to bolster his community, and is never anything but respectful to those around him.
In a cue out of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, Clarissa grants George’s wish to have never been born, taking him to an alternative universe where he doesn’t exist and the world is worse off for it. Unfortunately, the pacing of this section does not quite work, as Nelson attempts to fit a three act film into a two act play structure.
confidently transforms
Kevin Rowe’s portrayal of George is strong. We see him as the kind and idealising individual he is; a person who will always put others first. Rowe confidently transforms into a younger version of George, becoming the worried twelve year old with ease.
A scene from Leitheatre’s It’s A Wonderful Life. Pic: Marion Donohoe.
Susan Duffy truly is a joy to witness as Clarissa, speeding around the stage, commenting comically on George’s life.
Most of the cast use a Midwestern American accent. An interesting and faintly anachronistic choice, given that the fictional town of Bedford Falls is based a small East Coast town in Westchester County, New York.
Although some of the cast struggle with the accent of choice, Rowe’s is impressive and holds steady throughout the performance. At times, however, he does lose momentum and passion within his lines whilst trying to stick to this Midwestern delivery.
sweet and full of charm
Rhys Hackett, who plays George’s younger brother Harry, grapples with this the most. His performance is endearing but his line delivery gives little to feel connected to. Jane Bradley has issues keeping her accent consistent, but her performance as George’s adoring wife Mary is sweet and full of charm.
A scene from Leitheatre’s It’s A Wonderful Life. Pic: Marion Donohoe
The villain of the tale, Mr Potter who owns most of the town, is performed with confident vindication by Tim Foley. Billy Renfrew’s portrayal of George’s Uncle Billy is joyful, lighting up the stage. Rebecca Rudd dazzles as Violet, a young woman who George helps out financially, and Angelo Tata, as the bar owning Martini, steals every scene he is featured in with entertaining enthusiasm.
Nelson wrote her adaptation for four actors playing multiple roles. Sadly Lynne Morris’s flaccid direction underutilises many of the large cast. The smaller characters with fewer lines don’t necessarily need to be fully fleshed out, but it feels awkward when they simply nod along without conviction to whatever George says, as if George’s community were a prop for the story rather than the humans that make his life worth living. Stronger direction could rectify this.
splendid costume design
This is unfortunately not helped by Mark Hajducki’s lighting design, which mostly stays as a general wash. Derek Blackwood’s set is impressive for the scale of the production, and could have been better highlighted with more precise lighting choices. Norma Malcom’s costume design is splendid, underlining characters’ personality traits and pulling audiences into the time period.
As touching as the play is, Leitheatre’s production lacks a clear vision. However, while every aspect does not come together in the harmony it might, this is still a wholesome celebration of community and of supporting one another.
Running time: Two hours (including one interval)
Church Hill Theatre, 33 Morningside Rd, EH10 4DR
Wed 26 – Sat 29 November 2025
Wed – Fri: 7.30pm; Sat: 2.30pm.
Tickets and details: Book here.
Leitheatre Website: www.leitheatre.com
Facebook: @Leitheatre
Instagram: @leitheatre
A scene from Leitheatre’s It’s A Wonderful Life. Pic: Marion Donohoe.
ENDS.
