ONE of the most magical stories ever written is coming to Basingstoke.

The Bridge House production of It's a Wonderful Life will run in The Haymarket from October 7 to 10.

The heartwarming story of idealist George Bailey, whose dreams look set to be dashed by small-town scandal and big business, is a classic.

Alone on a bridge, George decides that everyone would be better off without him... or would they? It falls to hapless guardian angel, Clarence, to try to save him.

This production is adapted from the 1947 Frank Capra film by Tony Palermo and directed by Guy Retallack.

Cast member David Benson, who plays the host of the broadcast and several other key roles, explains more about the production:

“Our play takes the heart of the story and re-tells it as if the audience is watching a live vintage radio broadcast. Sound effects are created onstage during the performance and there are even commercial breaks.

“The set is very simple but beautifully suggests an Art Deco radio studio, with illuminated On Air sign and two period microphones at the front. For us actors, it is also a treat to get into our 1940s suits and frocks – such a pleasure to wear.”

Many people will be aware of the film. How does this production compare?

“The show, we have found, affects the audience emotionally just as strongly as the film. By the end, they have been awash with emotion, laughter and tears.

“They get all the key elements we remember from the film but with the added element of seeing the actors working hard, changing characters in a flash and telling the story vividly so that every scene change and location is seen clearly in the audienceʼs minds.”

What do you hope the audience can take away when the show is over?

“Some people make the mistake of dismissing Capraʼs film as slushy and sentimental Hollywood mush. But it is far from that: it is actually very hard- hitting and political at times.

“The hero George Bailey is a man who has sacrificed his own personal dreams of travel and riches, to help the community of his town, Bedford Falls. His fatherʼs building society provides affordable housing to refugees and immigrants, the poor and the needy – much to the disgust of Mr. Potter.

“The story uplifts and moves audiences, I think, because it shows us the power of community, of sharing and of random acts of kindness.

“I think that is precisely the message people need to hear right now and it is a privilege for us to bringing Capraʼs parable of a good man who loses his faith in himself and then has it gloriously restored, to audiences.”

Tickets: £17-22, concessions available

Box office: 01256 844244, anvilarts.org.uk