Little Women
After Greta Gerwig’s 2019 adaptation propelled the story back into the mainstream, Little Women has continued to evolve. In 2021, we had a revival of the musical adaptation, in which Sutton Foster originated the role of Jo.
The question is: what do you bring to the table when adapting a classic?
A true coming-of-age story, we follow four sisters on the cusp of adulthood, each dealing with different issues. The feisty Jo wants to make a name for herself beyond the typical role of a woman in yesterday’s society — “I need to write like a man to get published,” she laments. Amy, on the other hand, wants to fulfil her own dream: family.
This adaptation places the relationship between the sisters — and how they break the mold in terms of societal prejudices and expectations — centre stage (no pun intended).
Ann Marie Casey’s production is steeped in comfort and nostalgia. We open with a harmonious version of “Glory Hallelujah” and a minimalist set featuring a Christmas tree and ornate furniture, designed to make you feel at home. In some ways, this can be to the production’s detriment. At 80 minutes, while it develops the characters well and gets you on everyone’s side, Act 1 moves at such a leisurely pace that one is often left wanting the plot to truly move on. However, this is redeemed in a far tighter and leaner Act 2, which truly highlights the characters’ journeys.
From a performance perspective, Grace Moloney gives a tour de force as Jo — likeable, fearless, and boundless in energy in Act 1. However, Moloney also brings the growth and nuance needed towards the end of the play. A truly terrific performance. There are also fine performances from Jade Kennedy as Meg and Imogen Elliot as Amy, the latter making the strongest impression when she holds her own against potential suitor Laurie, played with a comically gauche edge by Cillian Lenaghan.
From a technical perspective, I found this production fell short. Despite a cosy and simple set, some interesting tableaux were often obscured upstage in a compacted way. The lighting has potential but felt washed out and has a long way to go in terms of enhancing the set. I also have to say that, despite the nice vocals of the cast, I found the repeated hymns to be overused and diminished in impact.
Despite these shortcomings, I found Little Women worked its charm. Does it add anything new? Arguably not — and no, it did not change my life. However, it’s a charming and inherently likeable production with some lovely performances.
This show was reviewed at the Richmond Theatre on the 3rd June 2025 where it runs until the 7th June 2025. Tickets available here: Little Women Tickets | Richmond Theatre in Greater London | ATG Tickets
Review written by Alex Farley
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Photo credit: Nobby Clark
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