It's not Christmas yet but here comes It's A Wonderful Life - The Radio Play...on stage in York

In this new British production that premiered at London's Bridge House Theatre last year, the magical story of Capra’s iconic 1946 film is retold as a radio drama, complete with sound effects created live on stage in a loving tribute to the golden era of the wireless.

The storyline revolves around idealist George Bailey (played by James Stewart in the movie), whose dreams look set to be dashed by small-town scandal and big business. Alone on a bridge, contemplating life, he decides that everyone would be better off without him… or would they? It falls to hapless guardian angel Clarence to try to save him.

Directed by Bridge House artistic director Guy Retallack, the cast will be led by Oliver Stoney as George Bailey, while celebrated character actor David Benson will play four characters, Pa Bailey, Mr Gower, Mr Potter and Officer Bert. In the show too will be Richard Albrecht, Lynsey Beauchamp, Benjamin Chamberlain and Augustina Seymour.

Here David Benson answers key questions about the show.

Can you explain a little more about the production and what the audience can expect, David?

"Our telling of Frank Capraʼs classic 1946 movie 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 on stage 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 know the film. How does this stage production, in its form as a radio play, compare?

"We have found the show affects the audience emotionally just as strongly as the film. By the end, they've 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 does a theatre production bring to It’s A Wonderful Life that distinguishes it from the film?

"Our version is actually based on the Lux Radio Hour version, broadcast in America as a tie-in with the film back in 1949. This also starred Jimmy Stewart and is essentially a trimmed-down version of the film. It tells the same story but in a much tighter way.

"We don't use set or props but rely on acting, on-stage live sound effects and the audience's vivid imagination to tell the story.

"One other thing that makes it special: you get to hear the story with a live audience, as part of a community, and that helps make it an incredible and deeply moving experience – for the audience and for us actors on-stage."

Character actor David Benson

What can you reveal about the characters you are playing?

"As well as playing the Host of the radio broadcast, doing the warm-up with the audience and the announcements, I also get to play a variety of smaller but important roles. My favourite is the part of the evil slum landlord and corporate monopolist Henry Potter, played by Lionel Barrymore in the film. I play him as a cross between Barrymore, Will Geer and Rupert Murdoch.

"I also get the play nice characters like the heroʼs father and his pal Police Officer Bert."

What do you hope the audience will take away from the show?

"Some people make the mistake of dismissing Capraʼs film as slushy and sentimental Hollywood mush, but it is far from that. It's 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 ʻrandom acts of kindnessʼ. The ending is overwhelmingly emotional, in a very good way. I think that is precisely the message people need to hear right now and it's a privilege for us to bring Capraʼs parable of a good man who loses his faith in himself, and then has it gloriously restored, to audiences around the country this autumn."

Why has Frank Capra's film become such an integral part of Christmas celebrations and what strikes you most about its storyline?

"The story unfolds on Christmas Eve so, though its themes are universal and profound, it has a special association with that time of year. Revisiting the film after many years, I was struck by how the storyline emphasises the power of self-sacrifice and communityspirit over greed and selfishness, represented by the character of Henry Potter, the uncaring Capitalist.

"Like Dickens's A Christmas Carol, the story of It's A Wonderful Life is given huge emotional punch by being set at the festive time of year."

Tickets for Monday's 7.30pm performance of It's A Wonderful Life - The Radio Play are on sale on 0844 871 3024 or at atgtickets.com/york

Did you know?

David Benson has played Kenneth Williams and Noel Coward in past shows.