Little Women At The Rep

I was eleven when I first read Louisa May Alcott’s ‘Little Women’ and it remains one of my favourite books. The story of the four, very difficult March sisters, set against the backdrop of the American Civil War,  is a classic, one that has been much filmed. Now, it has been adapted as a play by Anne-Marie Casey, and this spirited production, which opened at the Birmingham Rep last night, is going to win hearts all over again.

The story is slight, four young sisters, all very different, heading towards womanhood and their own hopes and dreams. Beautiful oldest sister Meg wants a husband and family, but knows the family holds out hopes she could snare a rich man. Spirited Jo is a tomboy who longs to be a published writer (and is still one of the most extraordinary characters to come out of Victorian literature.) Beth is selfless and kind, putting herself in peril to help others, whilst Amy is wilful, spoilt and selfish, not averse to acts of real recklessness. They live with their mother, Mammee March, and in the shadow of their formidable Aunt March, whilst waiting for their Father to return from war. We see their trials and tribulations, and get to know the men who become part of their lives, John Brooke, Professor Bhaer and, most importantly, their rich neighbour Laurie.

Little Women is a beautiful production that is expertly tied together by the motif of Christmas, and Christmas carols. It is also delivered by an exceptionally talented cast who bring life to these  memorable characters. Grace Moloney is stunning as Jo, totally capturing her fearless, almost modern character and the sense of being a woman out of time. Jade Kennedy is a lovely, gentle Meg, who is also funny in her too tight dancing shoes. Catherine Chalk is heartbreaking as the tragic Beth, the only sister with no plans for the future, whilst the brilliant Imogen Elliot has sass in spades as Amy March.

Honeysuckle Weeks was ill on press night, but Ellie Pawsey ably stepped into the role as Mammee, whilst Belinda Lang was scenestealing as the awfully droll, formidable Aunt March. Rounding out the cast were Cillian Lenaghan as a frankly perfect Laurie, a combination of loucheness and vulnerability, whilst Jack Ashton played two roles wonderfully, as the decent John, and the lovestruck Professer.

Little Women is still wonderfully entertaining, and spending time with the March Sisters is as rewarding as ever. Just wonderful.

Little Women

Wed 21 May–Sat 24 May 2025

The Rep, Birmingham

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