The novel ‘Little Women’ by Louisa May Alcott is still amongst one of the most popular novels today. Following the incredible success of the Greta Gerwig film in recent years, it’s safe to say that a stage version of Little Women would have a lot to live up to.
Adapted by Anne-Marie Casey and directed by Loveday Ingram, taking on the March Sisters and their story was a brave undertaking. For those unfamiliar with the story, it centres around the March Sisters: Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy and takes place around the civil war. It tells the tale of their life with their mother at the helm as they are together at home and how at some point they all realise that nothing ever stays the same. With Jo March as the central character, the story moves on to highlight her own challenges about being the woman she was always meant to be and the struggles in reaching this point, finally leaving her childhood behind her.
Grace Moloney played Jo, the central character and this was undoubtedly a great choice. Moloneys ability to demonstrate Jos passion, anger and defiance at not wanting things to change in her life was a success. Her scene with Beth during the end of her illness was certainly powerful. As Jo grows into adulthood Moloney maintains these aspects of Jo’s character throughout and although she keeps her headstrong approach to life we start to see a more mature sensitive side to Jo ensue.
Cillian Lenaghan played the part of Lawrence or ‘Laurie’ as he was known to the girls. Lenaghan interacted with Moloney well throughout – and on stage chemistry was the perfect mix, particularly during their early years as neighbours when they had fun, played together and supported each other.
The stage version certainly packed in the key aspects of the story, however at times some scenes appeared rushed and possibly lacked some warmth. More time for the audience to encounter the impact that Beths illness had on the rest of the family may have been beneficial and also more detail about Amys travels in Europe could have added to this version. However, the second part seemed to include a lot more depth to some scenes and the audience could gain more empathy with the various characters.
The set was interesting – Jo’s writing desk on stage throughout was essential. The trees that surrounded the set added to the concept of being situated in the countryside perhaps being shielded from the reality of the world as it was at that time. It was perhaps unnecessary when some scenes such as the ball that Amy and Lawrence attended, presented itself in front of the stage curtain.
The new adaption of Little Women certainly covers all the key parts of Alcotts novel. It delivers a sense of nostalgia and absolutely takes the audience back to the time they may first have read Louisa May Alcotts book. It is a joyous production and although may have benefitted from more time in some scenes it is a story that many will enjoy about love, family and essentially sisterhood.
Little Women is on at The Lowry until 12th April, and tickets can be obtained via the website www.thelowry.com
Reviewer: Angela Kelly
Reviewed: 8th April 2025
North West End UK Rating: