Like so many of the best Christmas stories, It’s a Wonderful Life is more than just mistletoe and good cheer. In fact, it’s made richer and more moving by its inherent darkness. And set against a background of war, collapsing financial markets, families struggling to get by, and mental anguish, perhaps the themes are still as relevant, if not more so, today. This new adaptation is both faithful and inventive. Written for just four actors – though it can be played with more – it’s pacier, more fluid than the original and includes audience interaction, yet it still remains truthful to the original narrative, ensuring that Capra’s message about valuing what we have shines through.

On 21st October 1966 four young women became bereaved mothers. Their children were among the 116 children and 28 adults killed in the Aberfan Disaster. Eight months later, struggling to come to terms with their losses and fearing being considered frivolous, they secretly invite a representative from Revlon to give a presentation on beauty tips to their support group. Having an outsider in their midst sparks anger, bickering, resentments, emotional outbursts… but also humour and kinship.

Connor, a bullied schoolboy, has nightmares which culminate in a visit from a monster outside his bedroom window, who challenges him to a storytelling contest. As the game progresses we learn more about Connor’s life, his isolation and the reasons for the monster’s visit. Breath-taking fantasy, physical theatre and raw emotion.

The evening is still being finalised but will include Growing Pains by Kim Southey; and also Tuna Fish Eulogy by Lindsay Price

Growing Pains – A coming-of-age comical drama, exploring the challenges of leaving behind a childhood you’re reluctant to let go of.

Tuna Fish Eulogy – Albert was no ordinary child. He liked nothing more than to sit and count his tins of tuna in his kitchen cupboard. One day, he was found dead and two tins were missing. Twelve years later, his grown-up ghost has returned to interview his mother and the babysitter to reconcile what happened. Did they do it, or was it suicide?

Rachel creates a fantasy life for a couple she watches from the train on her commute into London each day, but the harmless daydream becomes a nightmare when the woman suddenly disappears. As Rachel involves herself in the investigation, she starts to unearth secrets that neither she nor anyone else was prepared for. Are the police correct in their suspicions – might she be a murderer? Based on the worldwide smash novel and DreamWorks film.

Waiting for God is a delightful comedy that originated from the popular BBC1 sitcom which aired in the 1990s. The story revolves around the challenges faced by the residents of the Bayview Retirement Home, as they grow old disgracefully. Diana Trent, who’s a bit of a battleaxe, conspires with new resident Tom Ballard to outwit the conniving manager. Their hilarious conspiracy leads to unexpected, heartwarming results. The play captures the essence of ageing with humour and hope.

This hilarious musical celebration of the mating game takes on the truths and myths behind that contemporary conundrum known as ‘the relationship’. Act I explores the journey from dating and waiting, to love and marriage, while Act II reveals the agonies and triumphs of in-laws and new-borns, trips in the family car and the pick-up techniques of the geriatric set.