Writer: Louisa May Alcott
Adapter: Anne-Marie Casey
Director: Loveday Ingram
In 1868 and 1869 Louisa May Alcott’s semi auto biographical book Little Women was published. Over the generations it remains a beloved coming of age novel. There are four sisters: the eldest and beautiful Meg, (Jade Kennedy), who wants to marry and have children; Jo the Tomboy (Grace Molony), strong spirited with a passion for writing; next gentle and delicate of health Beth (Catherine March); and finally the youngest, self-centred and ambitious Amy (Imogen Elliott).
Anne-Marie Casey wrote the stage adaption of this two act play in 2011. It successfully and sensitively spans the years as the sisters leave their childhood behind. The play opens at Christmas time; their father is away fighting in the American civil war with the aim to abolish slavery. The sisters are in their teenage years and like so many sisters there are rivalries, but their bonds of love run deep. Their mother ‘Marmee’ (Ellie Pawsey) tries to instil in them self-sacrifice and good values, while their rich Aunt March (Belinda Lang) is forever critical of their behaviour. Jo is the central character in the play. Grace Molony plays this fiery character with real panache and does not hold back.
Their loves, friendships, and shared tragedy are all encompassed in the play as the sisters develop into strong, brave, compassionate women. The play is engrossing, particularly the second act as they find their paths in life and with whom they wish to share it.
Laurie (Cillian Lenaghan), the loveable boy next door and Jack Ashton, who plays the dual roles of John Brooke in act one then Professor Bhaer in act two, are both believable and charismatic suitors.
The play is engaging and not saccharin. The story twists and turns and there are unexpected outcomes. It is carried along with humour and pace as the audience watch the different characters develop and grow. The austere, no nonsense Aunt March is an amusing foil to the warmth and bond of the family’s love.
The different scenes are transitioned by clever ethereal lighting. The passing seasons are indicated as snow falls, and there is rain and brilliant sunshine. The stage curtain, is partially opened at times throughout the play to enable more intimate scenes at front of stage. The back of stage behind narrow trunks of silver birch trees reminds us this is set in small town, young America, the trees also give opportunity to bring the outdoors in.
Matthew Bugg, composer and sound designer has used simple piano and harmonia sound tracks. The beautiful and harmonious a capelle singing by the cast of a well-known anthem and hymns, enriches the scene transitions and period of the time.
Little Women is a heartwarming story, as the sisters blossom into adult hood. The adaption does the novel full justice; it is a performance to enjoy and remember.
Runs until 10th May 2025
