It's a Wonderful Life

Cast: 4 actors, doubling (either 1f 3m or 2f 2m); larger cast possible (13 characters plus extras)

Staging: Several interiors and exteriors, including a bridge (can be simply staged)

Amateur rights performance fee: £85 per performance (plus VAT where applicable)

Paperback, 72 pages ISBN: 9781839042782Publication Date:
7 Dec 2023
Size: 198mm x 129mm£10.99 £8.79You save £2.20 (20%)
A4 Spiral-bound, 144 pages ISBN: 9781839043390Publication Date:
7 Dec 2023
Size: 297mm x 210mm£14.99 £11.99You save £3.00 (20%)
Ebook, 72 pages ISBN: 9781788507189Publication Date:
7 Dec 2023
£10.99 £8.79You save £2.20 (20%)
First Staged:
New Perspectives Theatre Company tour, 2000

It's a Wonderful Life (stage version)

Adapted by Mary Elliott Nelson

Paperback £10.99£8.79

A4 Spiral-bound £14.99£11.99

Ebook £10.99£8.79

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!


Nick Hern Books - A4Edition_webdescriptionbanner_600x100.jpg

This play is also available as an A4 Edition. With spiral binding, a larger print size and additional space for notes, this format is ideal for directors, stage managers, actors and others to use in rehearsal and production.

To order, simply select the 'A4 Spiral-bound' option above. Please note A4 Editions are only available for delivery within the UK.

'Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings.'

Press Quotes

'Cleverly makes us think about our lives and how we fit into our communities'

Guardian

'A magical stage adaptation… offers surprises while being truthful to the narrative'

York Press

'Beautifully conceived... rises to this challenge of translating such an uplifting and moving story to the stage with just four actors... an exceptional piece of theatre'

West End Best Friend

'Has a delightfully atmospheric economy... Nelson's text hits the right beats... Capra's message about valuing what we have shines through in this festively enjoyable production'

The Stage

'Fans of this story will not be disappointed... the perfect show to see with your family over the festive period'

Theatre and Tonic

Cast: 4 actors, doubling (either 1f 3m or 2f 2m); larger cast possible (13 characters plus extras)

Staging:Several interiors and exteriors, including a bridge (can be simply staged)

Amateur rights performance fee: £85 per performance (plus VAT where applicable)

Paperback,72 pages ISBN: 9781839042782Publication Date:
7 Dec 2023
Size: 198mm x 129mm£10.99 £8.79You save £2.20 (20%)
A4 Spiral-bound,144 pages ISBN: 9781839043390Publication Date:
7 Dec 2023
Size: 297mm x 210mm£14.99 £11.99You save £3.00 (20%)
Ebook,72 pages ISBN: 9781788507189Publication Date:
7 Dec 2023
£10.99 £8.79You save £2.20 (20%)
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