It was an absolute pleasure to be back at the Blue Orange Theatre in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter last night to watch one of my personal favourite musicals, the very underrated Little Women.

Most people are familiar with Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel upon which the musical is based. It centres on the four March sisters who live with their mother (Marmee) in Concord, Massachusetts and is set in the mid 1860’s whilst their father is away serving in the Civil War.

This production is presented by James Williams for JW Theatres, in association with the Midlands Academy of Musical Theatre, an independent regional drama school of which six of the cast members are in the graduating class of 2021. Performer and Deputy Head of MAMT Cici Howells has directed and choreographed the piece well in the intimate performance space, which is split across two levels with clearly defined settings, aided by the occasional date projections to keep the audience on track.

The score is delivered by a four-piece band backstage, which also consists of Howells on trumpet/woodwind – a woman of many talents! Dan Clarkson’s sound design ensures they are clearly heard and well-balanced against the vocals. The performers all have radio mics but they appear to be unused until the band fire up for the individual musical numbers. This transition could be anticipated a little more to ensure the opening lines of the songs aren’t missed but the overall quality is good.

Intercut with vignettes acting out protagonist Jo’s melodramatic stories, Joanne Marshall’s lighting is excellent differentiating these moments. There is also a rather spectacular visual created at the end of Act One during Jo’s 11 o’clock number, ‘Astonishing’, performed brilliantly by Abbie Henderson. Positioned on the upper ‘attic’ level, the light emanating from behind her creates a gorgeous, radiant and powerful moment.

Henderson has been well cast as Jo and she clearly has the passion required to fulfill this sought-after female role. What she demonstrated in the opening night last night was probably half of her capabilities and whilst I’m sure nerves played a part in the occasional hesitation, if she fully commits to her performance, she will be a force to be reckoned with. She is well supported by her ‘sisters’: June Stay as the traditional, beautiful sister Meg, Millicent Izenstain as the romantic and bratty Amy, and Millie Monaghan as timid Beth. Each have clearly focused on their characterisation and they have a lovely chemistry between them.

Lewis Collier-Smith gives a superb turn as Laurie and manages to bring a light heartedness to the piece, as does Emma Bea as frosty Aunt March. Tom Parkinson has double the task playing both Professor Bhaer and Mr Brook but excels, particular in his endearing awkwardness as Bhaer. Terri-Leigh Nevin plays the maternal role of Marmee well and whilst not perfect, she gives a very impassioned performance of ‘Days of Plenty’, with Julius Tilt striking a good balance of authority and mellowness with Mr Laurence – performing as Laurie’s Uncle here as opposed to his Grandfather due to the evident young age of the performer!

It was one of my favourites and it remains one of my favourites. A joy to see this wonderful musical on stage again and the team have done great things in bringing it to life.

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: Jenny Ell

Little Women plays at the Blue Orange Theatre until Sat 10 July and tickets can be purchased here.