Little Women

Little Women follows the March sisters, Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy, as they grow up while their father is away at war. Guided by their mother, Marmee, they navigate family life, friendship and first love. The play captures their joys and struggles, highlighting humour, tenderness and the enduring bonds between them.

On arrival I was met by the wonderful Sally and warmly welcomed. As always, the beautiful theatre was inviting and full of character, setting the perfect atmosphere for the performance to come. The set was open and staged as the March family’s sitting room, complete with a fireplace, armchair, pictures on the wall, and a table with chairs. A beautiful staircase in the background was used throughout the play, adding depth and versatility to the set. Every detail felt carefully chosen, creating a cozy and lived-in atmosphere that immediately drew the audience into the family’s world. It was a space that felt both familiar and inviting, perfectly setting the scene for the March sister’s stories to unfold.

Amy March exuded lightness and charm, making her a joy to watch. Her vanity and playful nature were clear, yet there was also a feisty spark that gave her real presence on stage. The performance was well acted throughout, with clear and concise speech that carried her wit and ambition. Alongside this, her gradual growth and pursuit of her own path added depth, making her journey feel touching and heartfelt.

Beth March was portrayed with sincerity and innocence. Her gentle spirit and quiet nature were shown with real authenticity. Every scene reflected her kindness and the care she showed for others. Even in moments of shyness or weakness, there was an inner resilience that left a lasting impression. The performance highlighted Beth’s warmth and courage in a beautiful way.

Jo March sparkled on stage with energy and spirit. Her strong will, ambitious nature, and tomboyish charm were brought to life in a way that felt completely natural and engaging. The portrayal captured her restless drive and loyalty to her family with honesty, while her humour added lightness and her vulnerable moments revealed depth. Altogether, Jo felt vibrant, determined, and wonderfully relatable.

Meg March came to life with grace and depth. Her dependable role as the eldest sister guiding and supporting the others was clear, while her small vanities and longings for refinement added dimension. Her deep affection for her family and wish for a modest, happy home felt heartfelt and true. The balance of responsibility, desire, and love gave Meg a sense of completeness that felt genuine on stage.

Marmee was the emotional compass of the family, full of kindness and strength. Her wisdom and care came through in every gesture, guiding her daughters with patience and attention. There was a resilience to her, a sense that she carried both love and moral conviction with grace. It was truly impressive how she conveyed all of this with the number of lines she had. Small moments of tenderness and understated humour made her feel deeply human and relatable, leaving a lasting impression as nurturing, thoughtful, and unwaveringly devoted.

Laurie was lively and engaging, with a natural charm that suited the character well. His cheeky, playful side came through convincingly, with subtle glimpses of his more reflective and loyal nature, particularly around the March sisters. The performance captured both mischief and kindness, giving a balanced sense of a spirited young man shaped by privilege yet capable of sincere care.

Mr Laurence was a quietly commanding presence, dignified yet approachable. His performance captured his wisdom and the compassion that lies beneath his formal exterior, showing a man who has seen much of life yet remains capable of kindness and understanding. Subtle gestures and measured expressions conveyed both authority and affection, giving a clear sense of someone who is both respected and fondly beloved.

Mr Brooke was portrayed with calm composure, polite and well-meaning, though at times quietly measured in manner. His respect and care for the March family came through, particularly in his interactions with Meg, showing a tender reliability and thoughtful attentiveness. The performance conveyed a man of sincere intentions, whose presence offered calm support and a reassuring sense of constancy.

Aunt March came across as formidable and sharp-tongued, her presence commanding attention throughout. The performance captured her imperious nature and penchant for blunt, often cutting remarks, while occasionally hinting at the loyalty and care she felt for the family beneath her stern exterior. Through subtle gestures and expressions, the portrayal conveyed a sense of authority tempered with underlying complexity.

Hannah exuded warmth and steady reliability, a consistently reassuring presence in the household. The performance captured her patient, nurturing nature, as well as the small moments of humour and affection that made her naturally compelling. Through understated gestures and expressions, Hannah came across as both devoted and approachable, calmly maintaining the household together with care and constancy.

Mr. March made a brief but dignified appearance, his calm and principled presence clearly felt. Though appearing only briefly, the performance conveyed his moral steadiness and thoughtful nature, leaving a lasting impression of a man both respected and missed. 

The professional lighting and sound consistently set the mood and atmosphere, enriching each scene and supporting the story as it unfolded. The costumes were beautiful and perfectly suited to the era, reflecting the style and spirit of the period with meticulous attention to detail. Each dress was skilfully handmade by the director’s mother, a personal touch that added an authenticity, bringing the characters vividly to life on stage.

The direction was clear and concise throughout, a notable achievement in a play as wordy and dialogue-driven as this. The careful pacing and thoughtful staging allowed each scene to breathe, giving the characters room to develop and the story to unfold naturally.

Thank you so much for inviting me. I had a lovely evening and am really looking forward to enjoying your future productions.

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