Little Women - A coming of age story as fresh today as it was 158 years ago.
Little Women – A new stage adaptation by Anne-Marie Casey, presented by Lee Dean and Daniel Schumann, directed by Loveday Ingram. At the Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, from 19 to 22 March.
Review by Margaret Mather
This evocative production adheres closely to the original classic book written by Louisa May Alcott. Set in the time of the American civil war, it portrays the lives of four sisters who are on the cusp of womanhood. All with very different personalities, hopes and dreams.
Meg, played by Jade Kennedy, wants to get married and have children. She meets and falls in love with Mr Brooke played by Jack Ashton, tutor to her neighbour’s nephew. Her parents say she is too young to marry and he must wait awhile. He goes off to war. Returning wounded, he asks for Meg’s hand in marriage and she accepts.
Jo played by Gracey Molony, is a tomboy who likes nothing better than climbing trees, playing swash buckling games and most of all, writing stories. She is always on the go, with energy in abundance, and the last of the March sisters to leave childhood behind and embrace adulthood.
Beth (Catherine Chalk) is a sensitive soul. She flits in and out of scenes, carrying her doll and playing the piano. Contracting scarlet fever, whilst doing good deeds in a poverty-stricken side of town, she succumbs to the sickness and realises she is not long for this world.
Amy ( Imogen Elliott) is the baby and somewhat spoiled sister of the others. She wants to grow up fast, find a husband with money, and live her life in luxury. She sets off on a world trip with her wealthy Aunt March (Belinda Lang). During the trip, Amy grows into a lovely young woman discarding her spoilt ways for love and friendship with Laurie (Cillian Lenahan) an old friend of Jo’s.
Overseeing the girls is their mother, who they call Marmee (Honeysuckle Weeks) She guides them through childhood into adulthood and ultimately, independent women. She is the backbone of the family and loved by all.
What a joy this production is. All of the actors played their parts seamlessly. From the energetic Jo to the southern drawl of Aunt March, the vulnerable Beth and the willful Amy, comforted by her husband Laurie, to the home loving Meg and her husband Mr Brooke, all wrapped up in the guiding hands of Marmee.
If you liked the book, you will love this adaptation.
For more information contact the box office on 02476 553055 or visit: www.belgrade.co.uk
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