Rachel Tucker opens new theatre in Penge

A new London theatre will launch later this year with a production of It's a Wonderful Life!, adapted from the iconic Hollywood film.

The Bridge House Theatre SE20 is being jointly run by director Guy Retallack and his actress wife Rachel Tucker, who is currently appearing on Broadway in The Last Ship.

According to press material, the show, which makes its British premiere, will be "performed as a live radio play in front of a studio audience". It runs from 9 December to 4 January, with cast and creatives to be announced.

The new venue is situated at the Bridge House pub in Penge. Retallack said: "I knew the moment I walked into Bridge House, that this was the 'home' we'd been looking for; as soon as we went upstairs the whole atmosphere of this Victorian function room was so incredibly theatrical."

Tucker, a WhatsOnStage Award winner for her performance in Wicked, added: "I don't think Guy and I could quite believe the original and beautiful space that was sitting waiting to happen. We are so excited about what this space has to offer the community of Penge and Crystal Palace.

"Not only is there no other professional theatre in or around the area, but we will be able to generate and create work and jobs for actors and directors in our part of south east London. We expect and want people to come from not just the local area, but from all over London."

It's a Wonderful Life! will run in rep from 12 to 21 December with a panto – The Uglies Take Penge.