Little Women

Second Thoughts often select more challenging plays which many other groups may steer away from.  The original book by Louisa May Alcott was published in 1868 with three sequels. The version performed by Second Thoughts was adapted by Emma Reeves and joined the first two novels namely Little Women and Good Wives.

The cast of thirteen actors played the fourteen roles. Central to the story were the four sisters. Debbie Williams as Jo was pivotal and played the part particularly well throughout the play as we saw her turn from tomboy to a sensitive and articulate writer. In addition, were the other three sisters namely Meg (Rebecca Fowler), Amy (Katherine Stewart) and Beth (Lisa Cowley).  The script calls for each character to grow as the play unfolds and each played the part with conviction. There were several tender as well as light-hearted moments with each of the four characters. The scenes depicting Beth’s death was well acted and sincere.    

Playing Marmee (the girl’s mother) and backbone of the family was Tracy Humphreys who gave a good solid and reliable performance. Margot McLeary gave a notable performance as Aunt March who was full of characterisation.  There were also good performances from Oli Williams as Laurie and Stacy Warner as Sallie with supporting performances from Baz Stilinski as both Fred and Professor Bhaer, Nick Johnson as John Brooke, Hannah McBride as Belle, Christine Hofstetter as Aunt Carol and Adam Sensicle as Ned.   

This was a well-conceived and thoughtful production with some good character interpretations directed by Georgina Wood. The action flowed well between the scenes making the most of the, at times, limited facilities at The Bear Pit theatre. The set was simple but effective and there was good use of limited furniture. The use of a piece of furniture as a writing desk which also converted into a bed was particularly imaginative and effective.

The lighting designed by Nic Walsh and operated by Bernard Hill worked especially well.

This was my first visit to Second Thoughts in 2019. I looked forward to their remaining programme for 2019 starting with Three One Act Comedies – Supersnout, Wherefore Art Thou, Lady Macbeth and Whisking Eggs in July.  

 

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