Little Women

There can be no doubt that Louisa May Alcott was a remarkable person. Her books, largely autobiographical, continue to be popular to this day. In truth, they concern themselves with the lives of human beings facing the same challenges and opportunities that we all face regardless of the age in which we live. It is for that reason that they still have a resonance for us today. Nonetheless the many films and plays that have been made of particularly “Little Women” are variable in quality and in the emphasis they place on certain aspects of the story. Emma Reeves, notable for her televisual adaptations of the Tracy Beaker stories, is an accomplshed writer.  Not relying on undue sentimentality or sensationalism to illustrate the author's intentions she brings the warmth and vagaries of human existence to the fore.

This was a production that I am sure will enter the annals of the Society and be remembered for many years to come. Superbly cast and supported by an ingenious backstage team the power, integrity and sheer humanity of the piece was conveyed brilliantly.  I enjoyed the 2019 film version, but I gleaned for more about life from this stage version! 

As Jo March Rosie Nilkolich created a person who you could immediately relate to. Clever, headstrong, noble minded, yet capricious when she choose. A notable aspect, despite the occasional (and highly appropriate) breaking of the fourth wall, for me was that I thought of Jo as a person and not as an actor playing a person. This was achieved by every player. It is a wonderful feeling for audience members when this effect happens. It is engendered through meticulous direction and study of the intentions of the writer. I found it illuminating in the notes that most of the actors would choose to be the part they were playing in real life. We watch with quiet satisfaction as Amy matures into a confident young person moving away from her earlier misguided attempts to assert herself. In truth this gave Isabelle Craven a splendid opportunity to play as it were, two different characters. The transition was done with assurance. Meg is perhaps the most enigmatic of the four sisters. Bethany Suthers gave us an outstanding performance. She is a most capable actor with the ability to use the whole of her body to convey intention. It is a skill both natural and then honed through training. I will look with interest for Bethany’s future appearances. In fact we saw what she could do with her memorable interpretation of Aunt Carol. Beth March was vividly brought to life by Hannah Sutcliffe. A bravura performance of innocence and trust. Director Justine Sutcliffe did not allow us to be overly sentimental about Beth’s death. I appreciated this. Sadness accompanies anyones demise yet life goes on;  happy memories remain to support us as our journey continues. What a unique person Mrs. March must have been. An absent husband fighting a bloody war, four adolescent girls to manage and I am sure plenty more on her plate too! Liv Bellamy-Brown was the ideal person to convey the complexity of her responsibilities. Sam Garforth created a wonderfully contrary Aunt March. Full of calm determination with a firm belief in how younger folk should behave we always knew she was a good person at heart. Nick Burchill was just right as Laurie. He looked the part and played the role right down the line. It was an interpretation that was appreciated  by the audience. Likewise Hamish Heald was a convincing John and Ned. He moved well showing us his ability to create a role that fitted neatly into the whole. Fred and the Professor were in the hands of Richard Holley. I loved the subtlety he brought to play in both interpretations. I liked  him/both immediately.

I hope I have conveyed that this was a production where all the constituent parts combined seamlessly to make a remarkable  entity. The music accompanying the changes of scenes was carefully chosen and added to the emotions on display. The costumes were first class too.  The brilliantly staged shower effect at the conclusion reminded us that no matter what intrusions the world rains down on us we have true love to protect us. How this family managed to survive so well during one of the most brutal civil wars ever is in itself a subject for much thought.

Yes, Justine, I did find this production comforting.  What is more this it was a superb example of theatre at its finest delivered with the utmost integrity. Thank you.

PRM.

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