Review: LITTLE WOMEN, Malvern Theatres - Tour
Photo credit: Nobby Clark
With multiple stage and screen adaptations since its two volume book release in 1868 and 1869, Louisa May Alcott’s semi-autobiographical Little Women is a story revisited time and time again. It even received its own musical starring Sutton Foster as Jo on Broadway in 2005. Not to mention Greta Gerwig’s huge film hit in 2019. What then, can Ann-Marie Casey’s production offer us?
Little Women tells the story of the four March sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—as they grow up in 19th-century New England during and after the Civil War. Each sister faces her own challenges and dreams, from Jo’s ambition to be a writer to Amy’s artistic pursuits and Meg’s desire for a family. Guided by their mother, Marmee, the girls learn about love, loss, and the value of staying true to themselves. The novel is a heartfelt exploration of sisterhood, personal growth, and the roles of women in society and this production explores the same themes in only two hours, an impressive feat.
Opening to the sound of gunfire and a four-part harmony of ‘The Battle Hymn of the Republic’, it feels as if something is hanging in the air for our characters. After a chilling start, we’re then welcomed into the March sitting room and this production then feels like greeting an old friend. A mix of warmth and nostalgia immediately meet us, as we step into Alcott’s world once more. Grace Molony who plays Jo is likeable and fearless as she takes centre stage. A small cast of just eight, this production chooses not to have the head of the March family appear on stage at all. Although understandable, as it is such a small part, it does feel like some of the emotional depth is lost due to not seeing his returning home from the war. Nevertheless, this small ensemble is adaptable and adds their own flair to each familiar character.
The set remains similar throughout both acts, the trees of the woods that the March family’s home resides in Massachusetts are ever present, and other scenes simply work around the family furniture, a bold choice. There is a wonderful use of warm colours to represent the family home, with patchwork quilts, a communal table and the old faithful piano. Despite where our characters may be the pull, the resonance of home is always clear in the spindly trunks surrounding the house. The use of music, whether offstage, or on stage with the cast contributing to the vocals, adds an emotional and often haunting feel. It aids the story, never interrupts, and is used well though out.
Little Women has been told time and time again, with various casts, sets, scripts and mediums. This particular production does a superb job of retelling the story with humour and strength. The small cast work their magic and make it feel intimate, fresh and new, and with such a strong novel at its helm, it would be hard not to.
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: Sophie Eaton