‘Every time a bell rings, an angel gets its wings…’
With three acclaimed productions already under their belt, you’d have to say life was looking pretty wonderful for Old Fruit Jar Productions, one of the North-West’s leading independent theatre companies, so it seems rather apt that their fourth production is an enchanting and heart-warming adaptation of It’s A Wonderful Life, inspired by the 1946 Frank Capra film of the same name.
For those very few who don’t know the original, it’s Christmas Eve, Bedford Falls and George Bailey, a down-on-his-luck banker, believes life has left him behind. But when his guardian angel appears, George is astounded to witness what life could be like without all of the good deeds he’s done. Maybe life wouldn’t be as wonderful without him…
As Alex Carr, Artistic Director of Old Fruit Jar Productions, was keen to explain, it’s one of those stories that is completely timeless, passed down from generation to generation, and a privilege to bring it to Liverpool in time for the festive period.
Carr notes the immediate parallels to current day issues within Mary Elliott Nelson’s script, which mirrors the 1946 film, as it brings to the forefront themes of poverty, disparity, and mental health, as well as the transformative power of kindness, something we could all do with a little bit more of at present.
Carr adds that this timeless testament to the enduring power of resilience, community, and the indomitable human spirit in times of uncertainty provides a message that reverberates across the generations to remind us that even in our darkest moments, there is always hope and the potential for redemption.
This latest work marks Old Fruit Jar Productions’ third visit to Liverpool’s Royal Court, a collaboration that not only brings affordable and exciting theatre to the city and surrounding areas, but also an opportunity to tell important stories through local voices, something both organisations are passionate about, with the Royal Court keen to showcase the very best in grassroots theatre.
And in a recent delightful and one might say magical turn of events, as a result of popular demand the production will now go on to perform in the Concert Room at Liverpool’s St George’s Hall in December.
Founded in 2019, Old Fruit Jar Productions thrives on telling stories in the most imaginative, engaging, and thought-provoking ways, showcasing their collective talent for all things creative as they do so. Further details on the company https://oldfruitjarproductions.co.uk/
It’s A Wonderful Life performs at Liverpool’s Royal Court Studio from 19th to 30th November at 7.30pm with further matinee performances on Saturday 23rd and Saturday 30th at 1.30pm. Tickets are available via https://liverpoolsroyalcourt.com/studio/its-a-wonderful-life/
It’s A Wonderful Life then goes on to perform at St George’s Hall Concert Room from 10th to 13th December at 7.30pm with tickets available via https://www.stgeorgeshallliverpool.co.uk/events/its-a-wonderful-life/
