The March Sisters listening intently. Image - Nobby Clark.
The touring production of Little Women, currently playing at His Majesty’s Theatre in Aberdeen, is a vibrant and emotionally rich adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s timeless novel. Presented by Lee Dean and Daniel Schumann in association with Pitlochry Festival Theatre, The Belgrade Coventry, and Blackpool Grand Theatre, this staging breathes fresh life into a beloved classic, offering a poignant and beautifully staged journey through the trials and triumphs of the March sisters.
Adapted for the stage by Anne-Marie Casey and directed with deft emotional intelligence by Loveday Ingram, the play remains faithful to the heart of Alcott’s narrative while delivering a production that feels immediate and relevant. Set during the American Civil War, the story of the four March sisters, Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy, unfolds with warmth, humour, and honesty. The sisters’ distinct personalities, dreams, and conflicts are brought vividly to life, underscored by themes of family, womanhood, and the pursuit of purpose.
Jo and Aunt March, deep in thought. Image - Nobby Clark.
Grace Molony’s Jo March is the undeniable centrepiece of the production. Her portrayal crackles with energy, independence, and vulnerability, making Jo’s internal conflicts all the more compelling. One of the most memorable lines from the play, “I intend to make my own way in the world,” spoken with conviction by Jo, encapsulates the spirit of the character and the production as a whole bold, unapologetic, and deeply human.
Jade Kennedy plays Meg with elegance and quiet strength, while Catherine Chalk’s gentle and fragile Beth provides the emotional core of the family. Imogen Elliott’s transformation from the impulsive, artistic Amy to a more mature, reflective young woman is handled with nuance and charm. Understudy Ellie Pawsey brings a steady, empathetic presence as Marmee, portraying her as both nurturing and quietly formidable. Belinda Lang’s Aunt March is commanding and often hilarious, providing moments of levity while embodying the societal constraints the sisters must navigate.
A look of love? Between Jo and Professor Bhaer. Image - Nobby Clark.
Jack Ashton impresses in the dual roles of the honourable John Brooke and the kind-hearted Professor Bhaer, offering quiet support and emotional grounding. Cillian Lenaghan’s Laurie is charismatic and endearing, his chemistry with the March sisters - particularly Jo - adding another layer of emotional complexity to the narrative.
Ruari Murchison’s set design creates a versatile and atmospheric backdrop, moving seamlessly between the March family’s humble home and more expansive settings. Mike Robertson’s lighting enhances mood and tone, while Matthew Bugg’s musical contributions - including period carols and underscoring - elevate key moments and root the production in its historical context.
This Little Women is a celebration of sisterhood, resilience, and self-discovery. With stellar performances, evocative design, and a clear reverence for Alcott’s original text, it delivers a theatrical experience that is both heartwarming and thought-provoking. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering the story for the first time, this production is a moving tribute to one of literature’s most enduring families.
Little Women runs at His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen until Saturday 17 May 2025. Tickets are available via Aberdeen Performing Arts.
Review by Shona Byrne