Little Women
Big Hearted
Little Women
by Anne Marie Casey, adapted from the novel by Louisa May Alcott
Belgrade Theatre Productions at Richmond Theatre until 7th June, then on tour until 1st November
Review by Viola Selby
Growing up, I absolutely loved reading Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women. I could never quite work out which sister I wanted to be or was most like. All I knew was that I wanted to be part of the March family, sitting by the Christmas tree and acting in Jo’s stories, and nothing has made me feel more part of this fantasy than Anne Marey Casey’s amazing adaptation, directed by Loveday Ingram.
This must be one of the few versions of this tale that doesn’t merely focus fully on Jo, but allows each sister to have a strong part and their own life filled with their own wants, desires and obstacles. This is greatly helped by the brilliant casting, by Ginny Schiller, as Grace Molony (Jo), Jade Kennedy (Meg), Catherine Chalk (Beth) and Imogen Elliott (Amy) naturally bounce off one another creating a real sense of sisterhood, complete with jealousy, petty arguments, laughter and love.
Each actress has also clearly taken much time in understanding their character’s individuality and personal growth into womanhood. For example, I believe one of the hardest roles is Beth, as it is so easy to play her as the overly week wallflower. But Chalk does not do this, instead her Beth is still quiet and caring, yet knows her voice and is very much part of the family, risking her own life to care for a sick baby and then giving a truly impactful and heartstring-tugging depiction of Beth’s final moments.
Then we have Meg, whose leadership as the eldest daughter and want for love and stability is effortlessly embodied by Kennedy, Elliott who perfectly portrays Amy’s elegance, youthful confidence and irritability as the baby sister, working wonderfully against Molony’s wild and whimsical Jo, setting the scene for comedic conflicts between the two sisters. Molony also manages to skilfully show Jo’s vulnerability, as she learns to navigate her anger, particularly towards Amy, and confront her fear of changes within her family.
Altogether these four actresses grow their characters before our eyes, from naïve and cheeky children to wiser and accomplished young women, a feat assisted by their compassionate and resilient Marmee, who is played so lovingly and realistically by Ellie Pawsey it is hard to believe Pawsey is not their actual mother. Belinda Lang is exceptional and takes centre stage as the overbearing dowager Aunt March, bringing constant comedy with her tremendously timed cutting comebacks. Finally no adaptation would be complete without Laurie, whom Cillian Lenaghan manages to play beautifully, seamlessly going from a cheeky child to a troubled heartbroken youth to a more worldly and learned young man.
Jack Ashton’s accent and acting abilities are awe inspiring as he portrays the American tutor John Brooke and the German, Professor Bhaer. Ashton succeeds in highlighting both characters’ deeply principled and gentlemanly natures, yet each with distinct differences.
As well as through the acting, the audience is transported back to the American civil war, due to the stunning period perfect costumes, highlighting each character’s uniqueness and development and a simplistic yet effective stage design, both designed by Ruari Murchison. There is twinkling Christmas tree and a family sitting room, a beautiful piano in the background and Jo’s writing desk in the front, all surrounded by tall tree trunks. This set design is rarely changed throughout the play and so centralises most of the story around the family living room, adding to the cosiness of the whole production.
This same warming family feel is then emphasised by the dancing, singing and music, faultlessly composed and directed by Mathew Bugg and movement coordinator Mike Ashcroft. Together with the lighting expertise of Mike Robertson, they also manage to encapsulate drama and emotion with visually spectacular scenes, such as Amy falling through the ice and Beth’s spirit leaving the stage, that leave the audience shocked and in awe.
Little Womenis no boring retelling of a classic but a must-see stand-out performance and chance to be truly part of the March family. It is the best adaption I have seen of this much-loved tale.
Viola Selby, June 2025
Photography by Nobby Clark
Mark Aspen 