Roberta Taylor celebrated 71 Christmases and never once saw “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

Then she played the main character.

George Bailey.

It was an unconventional part for a woman, the role made famous by Jimmy Stewart and almost always, in every iteration, played by a man. But then, Senior College Players is an unconventional troupe.

All seniors. Mostly women. Scripts brought on stage.

And this holiday season, no serious seasonal introspection with “A Christmas Carol” for them. Instead, they performed “Memories of a Wonderful Life,” a comedy by Jonathan M. Zaley that put a twist on the original and encouraged audience participation.

Only after it was done did Taylor see “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Just in time for Christmas No. 72.

Name: Roberta M. Taylor

Age: 72

Town: Bethel

Job: Retired. Previously owned a restaurant

How long have you been part of the Senior College Players?: Five years

What got you involved in the group?: A friend asked me to help with props and sound effects five years ago.

What do you think of acting?: There’s a first time for everything. I love working with outstanding individuals.

This season you played George Bailey in the Senior College Players’ rendition of “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Isn’t George usually, you know, a man?: Yes, but I volunteered.

What was the best thing about playing George Bailey?: Because we are members of the “Senior” College, we are allowed to carry our scripts. But I felt that in order to be effective, George had to move around a lot, so I memorized — as best I could — the script. George was a great character to play.

What was most challenging?: Trying to get into the character and learning the script.

How long did it take you to learn the part?: I started in November, so about two months.

Did you play any other parts this season?: Not this season, but in the spring we performed “The Butler Did It” at the Bethel Inn.

Do your friends and family come see you perform?: My friends come up from Massachusetts to every one of my performances. In addition, friends from out of town also come, in addition to friends in this area. As a group, we always have loyal fans who support us. Makes it a little less traumatic if/when we make a mistake.

Do you get nervous being on stage?: Mostly I get nervous backstage. Once on stage, I just try to be the character.

What’s next for you and the Senior College Players?: If our director, Lynn Arizzi, can put up with us, we will be acting again in the fall.

Best Christmas movie ever — “It’s a Wonderful Life” or “Miracle of 34th Street”?: If it is A, B, or C, I chose C. They both are phenomenal. I had never seen “It’s a Wonderful Life” until two weeks ago. I thought that it was better for me not to see Jimmy Stewart in the role. Hope I did some justice to the role.