It’s a brave undertaking to adapt one of the most beloved novels of all time, but Anne-Marie Casey’s stage version of Little Women, brought to life by Lee Dean and Daniel Schumann’s production, is a warm and delightful success. Currently at the Belgrade Theatre in Coventry (19-22 March), this captivating retelling carries a comforting nostalgia while finding fresh relevance for today’s audience. It’s a production that wraps you up like a patchwork quilt passed down through generations – familiar, well-worn, and deeply comforting. I’m so chuffed that I’ve got to see one of my favourite books on the stage.
At its heart are the March sisters; Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy – whose distinct personalities and ambitions are as relatable today as they were in Louisa May Alcott’s time. My two daughters spent the journey home telling me which characters they thought they were most like with their qualities. Grace Molony as Jo is brilliant and was our absolute favourite, giving a performance brimming with energy and vulnerability. You feel every flicker of her frustration at societal expectations and her yearning to forge her own path. Her chemistry with Cillian Lenaghan’s Laurie is playful yet poignant, and his portrayal of the affable, sometimes conflicted Laurie strikes just the right balance.
Jade Kennedy’s Meg radiates grace and warmth, while Catherine Chalk’s tender Beth brings a quiet, heart-wrenching beauty to the stage. Imogen Elliott’s Amy captures both the impetuousness and charm of the youngest March sister. Her scenes with Jo, full of sisterly rivalry and reconciliation, are delivered with genuine emotion. I think at a few points, my one daughter looked as if she really believed what was happening on stage was true.
Honeysuckle Weeks as Marmee anchors the family with a quiet strength and compassion that draws the audience in from her first scene. And then there’s Belinda Lang’s Aunt March, sharp-tongued, imperious, but laced with humour. She brings giggles into the audience and manages to light up every scene she’s in, offering moments of levity amidst the drama.
Jack Ashton does double duty as both Brooke and Bhaer. His Brooke is sincere and gentle, while his Professor Bhaer is layered and believable, offering a grounded counterpoint to Jo’s fiery independence. His accents were believable and you almost sit rooting for him throughout the production.
Loveday Ingram’s direction is deft and assured. She allows the emotional beats space to breathe while keeping the narrative moving at a steady clip. Ruari Murchison’s set design had my two talking about it a few times. Snow, silver birch trees and a Christmas tree.
This adaptation doesn’t shy away from the harsher realities of the Civil War era – the loss of lives, months away at war. Yet it’s ultimately a celebration of love, family, and women defining their own destinies. Anne-Marie Casey’s script skillfully distils the essence of the novel, capturing its spirit without feeling overly condensed. Fans of Greta Gerwig’s recent film will find echoes here but presented with a unique theatre charm.
Little Women at the Belgrade Theatre is a heartfelt and rewarding experience, whether you’re discovering the March sisters for the first time or revisiting old friends. It’s a production that lingers with you, as warm and reassuring as a letter from home.
Where to see it next in the Midlands:
Malvern Festival Theatre: 15th – 19th April
Birmingham Repertory Theatre: 20th – 24th May
Disclaimer: I was invited along to review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.