Directed by Claire O’Reilly

ABOUT

This Christmas, the Gate Theatre invites audiences to step into the world of Bedford Falls with a stage production of the timeless classic, It’s a Wonderful Life. Adapted by Mary Elliott Nelson and directed by Claire O’Reilly, this new version brings the beloved story of George Bailey to life with a fresh, theatrical spirit. 

The play follows the life of George Bailey, a man with big dreams of travelling the world and building skyscrapers, who instead finds himself rooted in his hometown by duty and heart. On a fateful, snowy Christmas Eve, facing financial ruin and despair, George contemplates the unthinkable. It is then that he meets Clarissa Oddbody, an “Angel Second Class” who has been waiting over two hundred years to earn her wings. 

It’s a Wonderful Life is a story of hope, redemption, and the reminder that every time a bell rings, an angel gets its wings. 

“Never thinks about himself, God. That’s why he’s in trouble. He needs a Guardian Angel.” 

Opening on 21 November, with previews from 17 November. It runs till 10 January. 

Tickets on sale now for MEMBERS, FRIENDS & PATRONS
On general sale from Friday 8 May.

ABOUT THE WRITER:
MARY ELLIOTT NELSON

Mary Elliott Nelson is an actor, writer and dramaturg. Her adaptation of Frank Capra’s movie It’s a Wonderful Life has been produced around the UK, including a revival at Reading Rep Theatre in 2023.

ABOUT THE DIRECTOR:
CLAIRE O’REILLY

Claire is an award-winning Irish theatre director. She has presented work across Ireland, the UK, Germany, France, Luxembourg, New York, China and Australia. Recent projects include: Death of a Salesman (Staatstheater Mainz, 2026), A Christmas Carol (Gate Theatre, Dublin 2025), Bán by Carys D Coburn (Peacock Theatre Dublin, Dublin Theatre Festival), Emma by Kate Hamill (Abbey Theatre 2025), Hothouse (Malaprop, National tour 2025, winner of Best Production at Dublin Fringe Awards, New York Times Critic’s Pick), Talking About the Fire created with Chris Thorpe (Royal Court Theatre 2023 & European tour 2025), Accents by Emmet Kirwan (National tour 2025), & This Solution by Shaun Dunne (Dublin Theatre Festival 2023). She has worked as an Associate Director on the West End and off-Broadway, including A Streetcar Named Desire (dir. Rebecca Frecknall, BAM 2025) and Uncle Vanya (dir. Ian Rickson, Sonia Friedman Productions 2020).

Claire is a former Resident Director at the Abbey Theatre (2022-2023). She has a Master’s in Drama Directing from the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School (2019) and is a graduate of Film and Theatre at Trinity College Dublin (2015). She was featured on the Sunday Times Young Power List 2025 – 25 most influential under-35s in Ireland. She joined the Board of Directors for Project Arts Centre in 2026.

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE runs at the Gate Theatre from 21 November to 10 January 

Previews: From Tuesday 17 November 2026

Opening Night: Saturday 21 November 2026

Closing Night: Sunday 10 January 2027

Times:

Evening Shows: Café and Bar: 5:30pm | Doors: 6:00pm | Show: 6:30pm

Matinee Shows: Café and Bar: 12:00pm | Doors: 12:30pm | Show: 1:00pm

ISL-Interpreted Performance: There will be an ISL-Interpreted Performance of It’s A Wonderful Life on Saturday 12 December at 1pm.

Accessibility: In advance of booking, we kindly ask that patrons with accessibility requirements to contact boxoffice@gate-theatre.ie

Offers:  

Group Offer (6+):
10% discount for group bookings of 6+. T&Cs apply. You can redeem this offer by contacting the Gate Theatre Box Office only. This offer is not available online. Subject to availability. Not redeemable in conjunction with any other offer. Rate applicable for groups of 6 or more.

Senior  Offer:
Seniors can avail of discounted tickets to see any show here at the Gate Theatre. These tickets can be purchased in-person from the Box Office on the day you intend to attend the show. This offer is available Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday only. Tickets from €21.50.

Building Upkeep Levy

As a registered charity, your support of the Gate Theatre is vitally important. All tickets purchased for Gate Theatre productions now include a €1.50 Building Upkeep Levy to help us maintain, enhance and invest in our historic landmark building. It helps us provide a world-class theatrical experience for our audiences, artists and local communities, while also safeguarding it for future generations. We are deeply grateful for your ongoing and invaluable support of the Gate and its work.