STORYHOUSE, CHESTER – UNTIL SATURDAY 18 OCTOBER 2025
REVIEWED BY MIA BOWEN
4****
Anne-Marie Casey’s adaptation of Little Women is an absolute treasure—a warm, heartfelt, and beautifully executed interpretation of Louisa May Alcott’s classic story about the four March sisters: Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy, who grow up during the Civil War. The play follows their journeys from girlhood to womanhood as they navigate love, ambition, loss, and the meaning of family. From the opening scene to the final bow, the performance radiates sincerity, charm, and emotional depth, illustrating why the March sisters have captivated audiences for generations. This production successfully blends nostalgia with a fresh, contemporary energy, ensuring that the story feels both timeless and relevant.
At its heart, this play is a celebration of sisterhood and self-discovery. Each March sister is vividly brought to life with depth and nuance: Jo (Natalie Dunne) embodies fiery independence, Meg (Jade Oswald) exudes gentle grace, Beth (Megan Richards) showcases quiet strength, and Amy (Jewelle Hutchinson) radiates spirited ambition. The chemistry among the cast is electric; their laughter feels spontaneous, their quarrels strikingly real, and their affection profoundly moving. Jo, in particular, commands the stage with raw charisma and emotional honesty, and her transformation from a restless dreamer to a self-assured writer is depicted with breathtaking authenticity.
While the design, by Ruari Murchison embraces a minimalist approach with infrequent scene changes, the strategic arrangement of furniture and thoughtful use of props effectively define new settings without diverting the audience’s attention. Subtle details—a softly twinkling Christmas tree, narrow tree trunks that rise on either side, the warm glow of illuminated windows, and the enchanting backdrop of falling snow in winter—infuse a sense of magic without being ostentatious.
Under Loveday Ingram’s direction, they ensure that the production stays true to the original material, providing a nostalgic yet contemporary take on the cherished story. This adaptation stands as a testament to the enduring charm of Little Women, highlighting the strength and resilience of its characters.