Little Women

Bolton Little Theatre’s play Little Women by Louisa May Alcott was written in 1868 some 158 years ago. There are so many play adaptations about and at least seven film versions and several silent movies. Its issues of family love, sibling rivalry and women’s independence prove that Little Women is still adored and relevant today.

Bolton Little Theatre chose the intimate Forge Theatre for the up close and personal performance. Set in the March family parlour, with large rug centre - the three sides where the audience sit was a fireplace fender with basket of logs. Two Queen Anne chairs in the two corners. Off centre is a chaise longue. Various small cabinets and tables around the room. Books, ornaments, vase and brass candlesticks and a glass bell. The back wall has two entrances onto the outside with wooden hat stand and one on the right that leads to the rest of the house. Pictures are on the only wall and cream walls are painted to look like wall paper and the recess is a muted two tone green. Between the two doors is a large imposing cabinet, removed later to reveal the piano that is gifted to the family. A stand with a fir tree is to the side decorated with dried oranges, giving authentication to the period. Lighting and sound all help support the piece. Set Design Helen Livesey. Props were Jade Mulraney, Judith Leigh and Chloe Spencer. Lighting Design John Lyon and Peter Gower. Lighting Operation Nigel Cropper. Sound Design was by John Lyon. Sound Operation was by Casper Mogford-Midwinter. The costumes all looked fitting and helping to set the scene - Wardrobe by Janet Hardman, Richard Leigh and Bell Costumes.

Catherine Cropper directs and she says in the programme notes that it captured her imagination as a child. The story is definitely told with love and handled with care. The cast come together to create a cohesive unit and Catherine creates good imagery around the set. Using the space well and moving the actors around to avoid blocking. You believe the actors are sisters and manners of the time are observed. Both Acts having four scenes following a year of Christmas to Christmas. We are taken through emotions involving family arguments and love with a random haircut and illness thrown in. The interaction between the characters was strong and well played out.

Richard Leigh plays Robert March who having recovered from illness comes on right at the end to join the family at Christmas. Carole Taylor plays Hannah the long standing house keeper who is invested in the March girls and it shows when she is concerned about Beth when she is ill. Catia Pizarro Soeiro takes on the formidable Aunt March. Sharped tongued and at every turn pointing out her own wealth. Chris Hill takes on the kindly Mr James Laurence who is a great support to the family.

Sam Biram plays the kind and courteous John Brooks who courts Meg March - Sam did a great job with his character. Andrew Cropper plays Laurie Laurence bringing energy and a youthful spirit - he is captivated by the March girls and his expression conveyed this.

Rachel Slater played the youngest sister Amy whose selfishness and jealousy get her into trouble. Rachel gave a good portrayal of this and her indignation at not being allowed to go to the theatre. I would just point out a small thing about making sure you do not look out into the audience as this breaking of the fourth wall is not the play’s intention - it’s a small thing that can be corrected and just help you intensify your character.  Daisy Leather takes on the feisty Jo the tomboy annoyed by most things and not wanting things to change - her heart is in the right place. Daisy appeared to relish playing this part and worked well with Andrew playing Laurie.

Madeline Haworth played Beth who takes over from her mother in looking after the Hummel family in particular with the baby who unfortunately dies of Scarlatina. Beth gave us a gentle character and a great scene when she informs the family about the incident. I got the sense she was a younger version of her mother. Eleanor Maxwell took on the role of Meg March and gave a well-rounded character of Meg, who was the voice of reason amongst the sisters almost like the second mother. Eleanor’s blossoming romance with John played by Sam - the furtive glances and uneasiness with each other borne of their mutual admiration was done just right and felt natural. Marmee March played by Janet Leather was a delight and her gentleness shone through. Holding a family together while her husband is away, four lively daughters, caring for the community and seeing the good in everyone. Janet did this with conviction and even when she hears of her younger daughter Amy burning her other daughter Jo’s books, no shouting is required just a look of disappointment which is harder to bare, bringing Amy to tears.  A lovely interpretation of Marmee. Excellent!

Thank you so much to Bolton Little Theatre for the invite and hospitality from the front of house team from my guest Angela and I

Liz Hume-Dawson

District Rep 5

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.