It's a Wonderful Life

Based on the Frank Capra movie, "It's a Wonderful Life" is a heartwarming story of love, hope, and community that has been produced around the UK and is suitable for many more theatre companies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 72 pages
Publication date: 06 December 2023
Publisher: Nick Hern Books

Christmas Eve, 1946, Bedford Falls. Down-on-his-luck banker George Bailey feels life has passed him by, and he's at the end of his rope. But when George's guardian angel pays him a visit, he's amazed to discover what life in his beloved town would be like without him. Maybe it's a wonderful life, after all?

Based on the critically acclaimed Frank Capra movie, Mary Elliott Nelson's reimagining is a joyful story of love, hope, and community. Commissioned by New Perspectives Theatre, It's a Wonderful Life has been produced around the UK, including a revival in 2023 at Reading Rep Theatre. Written for four actors, but suitable for many more, it offers other theatre companies a heartfelt adaptation of a much-loved classic to charm and delight audiences – at Christmas or any other time of the year!

George Bailey, a hardworking and dedicated banker, has always felt that his life has been lacking purpose and meaning. He has sacrificed his own dreams and desires to help others, but he feels that he has never truly been appreciated or rewarded for his efforts. On Christmas Eve, 1946, George is about to commit suicide when he is visited by his guardian angel, Clarence, who shows him what life in Bedford Falls would be like if he had never been born.

George is shocked to discover that his wife, Mary, and his children, Harry and Violet, have never married or had children of their own. His brother, Tom, has become a successful businessman, but he has lost touch with his family and has become selfish and egotistical. George's childhood friend, Sam Wainwright, has become a drunken ****, and his beloved childhood home has been demolished to make way for a new building.

George is devastated to see the destruction that his absence has caused, and he realizes that he has been selfish in his desire to leave his mark on the world. He decides to stay in Bedford Falls and to make amends for his past mistakes. He returns to his job at the bank and begins to rebuild his relationship with his family and friends. He also volunteers his time to help those in need, and he becomes a beloved member of the community.

As George works to make things right, he begins to see the beauty and joy in life that he had missed before. He realizes that his life has been a blessing, and that he has been given the opportunity to make a difference in the world. He also learns that true happiness comes from being grateful for what we have and from helping others.

In the end, George is able to save the bank and to restore the faith of the people in Bedford Falls. He is also able to reunite with his family and friends, and he is finally able to live the life that he has always wanted. George learns that every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings, and that every person has the power to make a difference in the world.

Dimension: 198 x 129 x 5 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781839042782
Edition number: stage version