Eija Gibson’s cast at the read-through rehearsal for It’s A Wonderful Life at Theatre@41, Monkgate, York
THE cast is in place for Theatre@41, Monkgate’s debut community Christmas production, It’s A Wonderful Life, adapted for the stage by Mary Elliot Nelson.
Rehearsals have begun already under director Eija Gibson, who has picked a 13-strong troupe of York performers for the production run from December 10 to 23. Some have performed previously at the independent theatre, joined by actors new to the venue.
Eija says: “I am absolutely thrilled to have cast such a talented, creative group of community actors. I am so excited to be working with each and every one of them and see the magic this collaboration creates.”
Eija Gibson: Director of Theatre@ 41’s community production of It’s A Wonderful Life
Mary Elliott Nelson’s stage adaptation of Frank Capra’s festive film – premiered in New York City on December 20 1946 – follows down-on-his-luck banker George Bailey as he is paid a visit by his guardian angel on Christmas Eve 1946.
George will be played by Theatre@41 chair and actor Alan Park, who last performed at the black box theatre in 2023, when he starred in Duncan Macmillan’s one-man show, Every Brilliant Thing, and White Rabbit Red Rabbit with Black Treacle Theatre.
The Bailey family will feature Cassi Roberts as Mary Hatch Bailey, Paul Stonehouse as Uncle Billy and Matthew Wignall in his Theatre@41 debut as Harry Bailey, along with Samantha Goddard as Angel Josephine and Sarah Walker as Violet.
Alan Park: Cast in the lead role of George Bailey in It’s A Wonderful Life
Sonia Di Lorenzo: Playing George Bailey’s guardian angel in It’s A Wonderful Life
The role of George’s guardian angel goes to Sonia Di Lorenzo, while Dara Klymenko, founder of York’s Ukrainian theatre company DSpace, will play Angel Gloria, as well as joining the creative team as movement director.
In the shoes of antagonist Mr Potter will be Rory Mulvihill, following up his role as temperamental, egotistical director Lloyd Dallas in Pick Me Up Theatre’s production of Michael Frayn’s farce Noises Off this week at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre, York.
Mark Simmonds, Paul French, Darren Barrott and Lily Geering complete the cast, playing an array of eccentric characters that make up the town of Bedford Falls.
Matthew Wignall: Making his Theatre@41 debut as Harry Bailey
Dara Klymenko: Playing Angel Gloria
Theatre@41 is looking for volunteers to fill backstage roles, including stage managers, set builders, painters and props gatherers. Those interested are encouraged to send an email to [email protected] to find out more.
Theatre@41 trustee Livy Potter says: “Theatre@41 is a volunteer-powered theatre and we’re incredibly proud of this. Over the past five years, we’ve helped dozens of residents learn about putting on shows and creating theatre with and for communities in York.
“We’re keen for this production to be an opportunity for the people of the city to develop new skills whilst bringing the world of Bedford Falls to life in our studio theatre. We can’t wait to throw a lasso around the moon to re-create the most life affirming of Christmas stories.”
Theatre@41, Monkgate, York presents It’s A Wonderful Life for 14 performances from December 10 to 23. Performances: 7.30pm (except Dec 13, 14 and 21) plus 2pm, December 12, 13 and 19. Box office: https://tickets.41monkgate.co.uk/.
Cassi Roberts: Cast as Mary Hatch Bailey
Theatre@41’s poster for this winter’s community production, It’s A Wonderful Life