Joy Watters is greatly disappointed by Pitlochry's festive offering.
Last year's magnificent White Christmas at Pitlochry was always going to be a hard act to follow. It was such a brave venture by the theatre in the hills to stage a winter musical, but one that paid off handsomely with a tremendous piece of entertainment that scored in all departments.
This year its festive choice is the musical of It's A Wonderful Life. Actually, there have been several musical versions which have generally faded into obscurity, and this version is by Thomas M. Starkey. It's a strange choice by director John Durnin, who excels at producing musicals. Bring on Meet Me in St Louis next time or another tried and test Christmas favourite.
George Bailey is contemplating suicide on Christmas Eve, questioning why he was ever born. He has been a good guy all his life, as a boy rescuing his drowning brother, rendering himself deaf in the process, saving a pharmacist from issuing a lethal prescription and staying at home instead of following his dreams, all to help others. Facing ruin in the family firm, he is brought to his knees financially and emotionally. He has had enough and is planning to hurl himself from the bridge of small town, Bedford Falls. Enter Clarence, a trainee guardian angel who is looking for promotion who rescues George and shows him how the world would have been a worse place had he never existed. Robin Harvey Edwards as good old Clarence creates a lovely mix of avuncular and dopey with a touch of Tinker Bell.
It's A Wonderful Life is, of course, best known through the 1946 Frank Capra film starring James Stewart, which has carved itself a niche in the hearts of millions. It is the definitive version of the original story and brilliantly suited to the medium of film. Herein lies the problem: it would have to be a gem of a musical to stand any comparison whatsoever with the film, and Mr Starkey's version is somewhat lacklustre.
One can only sympathise with the cast and band having to wade their way through some utterly forgettable music and lyrics. The musical actually hampers an audience from empathising with the plight of central character George Bailey, failing to focus in on his agony.
Runs at Pitlochry Festival Theatre until December 22.
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