TALENTED husband and wife duo, Jesse and Elizabeth Warren, are set to hit the stage alongside each other for the first time in six years when the Swich Up production of It’s A Wonderful Life hits the stage of @Firestation 101 from tomorrow night.
Playing the roles of the heart of the story, George Bailey, and his loving and supportive wife Mary Hatch, the Warrens will bring their genuine love and respect for each other to the stage in this Christmas classic.
Having met at Yeppoon Little Theatre in a play Secret Bridesmaids’ Business, it’s a case of art mirroring life with their paths crossing various times throughout their lives.
Elizabeth completed a Bachelor’s of Acting at the Queensland Conservatorium, and has worked as an in-schools touring actor for shake & stir theatre co., as well as roles in several independent plays such as I am Woman, and short films such as Terranum, and Outbound.
Jesse’s CV showcases his acting chops, having played a range of roles including Reverend Hale in The Crucible, the Child Catcher in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and the role of Richard Hannay in The 39 Steps at Brisbane Arts Theatre.
With Jesse having performed in last year’s production of It’s A Wonderful Life, when the opportunity arose to perform with his actual wife, they both jumped at the chance.
“We keep missing each other and this is special because it is the first time, we’ve gotten to play characters together at the same time,” Elizabeth said.
“I was lucky because last time Jessie did it, I got to rehearse his lines with him.
“I just was so impressed with the whole show.”
The production takes the 1946 Christmas classic starring James Stewart and flips it on its head as a radio play while maintaining the themes and emotions.
“I think the radio play format is pretty cool, especially the way we’ve done it, that hybrid approach where there’s actually some breakout scenes,” Jesse said.
The production promises to deliver something different for every audience member.
“Because it’s so multifaceted, I think they can expect to leave feeling grateful,” Jesse said. “And they will have the opportunity to really remind themselves that they too have a wonderful life.”
