A packed house welcomed the opening night of Little Women at Cardiff’s New Theatre, as Anne-Marie Casey’s beautiful new adaptation breathed fresh life into Louisa May Alcott’s beloved classic.
Directed by Loveday Ingram – best known for Rebus: A Game Called Malice and the upcoming
The Girl on the Train, which arrives at the venue in May 2025 – this production captures the enduring charm and emotional depth of the March sisters’ world.
Drawing inspiration from Alcott’s own upbringing, Little Women follows the lives of Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy March as they navigate the trials of adolescence and womanhood during the American Civil War. At its heart, it is a tale of sisterhood, courage, and resilience, brought to life with a heartfelt energy that moved many in the audience to both laughter and tears.
Even as a first-time viewer with no previous exposure to the story, I found myself quickly immersed, thanks in no small part to the play’s strong opening – the distant sound of gunfire echoing through the theatre, signalling the turbulent times ahead. What followed was a rich and faithful rendition of the novel, brimming with warmth and character.
The cast is exceptionally well assembled, with each sister perfectly cast. Grace Molony shines as the passionate and determined Jo, while Jade Kennedy delivers a grounded and tender performance as Meg. Catherine Chalk’s portrayal of the gentle Beth is moving, and Imogen Elliott captures Amy’s youthful spirit and maturing self-awareness with flair. Ellie Pawsey impresses as Marmee, the girls’ steady and loving mother.
Belinda Lang delivers a standout turn as the formidable Aunt March – her commanding presence and dry wit earned well-deserved laughs. Jack Ashton (known for Call the Midwife) offers a dual role as both Mr Brooke and Professor Bhaer, while Cillian Lenaghan is compelling as the charming Laurie.
Visually, the production is elegantly realised. Ruari Murchison’s set design is both minimalistic and evocative, complemented by Mike Robertson’s gentle, atmospheric lighting. The illusion of falling snow and well-timed snowball fights adds a magical, almost cinematic quality. Mathew Bugg’s composition and sound design, paired with Mike Ashcroft’s movement direction, elevate the emotional beats and bring 19th-century Concord, Massachusetts, vividly to life.
Traditional hymns and musical interludes ground the play in its period, reinforcing the themes of faith, family and morality that underpin Alcott’s work. This is part morality tale, part coming-of-age story, and its timeless appeal continues to resonate – more than 150 years since its first publication.
For newcomers like myself, Little Women offers a warm, nostalgic embrace that is as emotionally rich as it is entertaining. The chemistry between the sisters is a highlight, particularly in scenes of playful teasing or heartfelt letter-writing – such as the touching correspondence between Jo and Amy.
This poignant, beautifully crafted production runs from Tuesday 29th April to Saturday 3rd May 2025 at the New Theatre, Cardiff.
Running time is approximately 2.5 hours including an interval. Tickets range from £24.00 to £45.00, with special rates for school groups (£18.00 per student, with a free teacher place for every 10 students).
Whether you’re a long-time fan or discovering Little Women for the first time, this adaptation is not to be missed – a delightful reminder of the power of love, loss, and growing up.
