Review: Little Women at Liverpool Playhouse

“…thoughtfully crafted… heartfelt performances, it captures the spirit of Alcott’s story…”

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott adapted by Anne-Marie Casey, Liverpool Playhouse

By Abi Kelly

Anne-Marie Casey’s adaptation of Little Women brings Louisa May Alcott’s classic story of sisterhood, ambition, and growing up to the stage with warmth and sincerity. Though this adaptation doesn’t reinvent the story, this production offers a well-designed and beautifully staged retelling that celebrates the charm and emotion of the original novel.

From the moment the curtain rose, the world of the March sisters felt alive and inviting. The show begins with the cast singing, pulling us into their world. The set design was cleverly constructed, simple yet full of character, allowing scenes to flow easily from the family home to grander spaces with only subtle shifts in props and lighting. The use of lighting was particularly impressive, using soft golden tones to give the domestic scenes a nostalgic glow, while cooler hues marked moments of reflection or loss. Together, these elements created a specific atmosphere on stage and enabled the quick flows of time to be caught by the audience.

The wardrobe, too, was excellent. The costumes captured both the individuality of each sister and the shifting years of the narrative. Jo’s slightly untidy practicality, Meg’s elegance, Amy’s flair for fashion, and Beth’s childish innocence were all reflected beautifully in the costume design.

The cast delivered a set of engaging performances. Natalie Dunne shone as Jo, bringing the character’s fierce independence and restless energy to life. Jade Oswald’s Meg was warm and poised, while Megan Richards gave a moving and delicate portrayal of Beth. Jewelle Hutchinson, as Amy, was particularly impressive in portraying her character’s transformation from a spirited (and often petulant) child, into a self-assured young woman. Her performance felt genuine and layered, showing Amy’s growth without losing the youthful spark that defines her early on. Perry Williams brought charm and humour to Laurie, making his scenes with the sisters especially enjoyable.

A special mention must go to Belinda Lang, who was a delight as Aunt March. She stole almost every scene she appeared in, her humour and timing adding a welcome touch of levity to the play during the more tense moments. Juliet Aubrey also gave a grounded and compassionate performance as Marmee, anchoring the family’s emotional core, while Tom Richardson offered thoughtful portrayals of both Brooke and Bhaer.

If there was a slight limitation, it was that the adaptation played things almost too safe. Casey’s script stays very close to the novel, and while that faithfulness ensures fans of the novel will enjoy it, the production might have benefited from a touch more reinterpretation a stronger sense of why Little Women still resonates today.

That said, for existing fans of Little Women or any of its on-screen adaptations, this production is likely to be exactly your cup of tea. It is true to its source material in both spirit and detail, bringing Alcott’s world and her characters to life with care and affection. You can feel the creative team’s respect for the story in every scene, from the charmingly staged domestic moments to the emotional weight of the sisters’ partings. It’s a show that feels comfortingly familiar.

Ultimately, Little Women by Anne-Marie Casey is a thoughtfully crafted piece of theatre. With its elegant design, effective lighting, and heartfelt performances, it captures the spirit of Alcott’s story. It may not break new ground, but it succeeds in offering an evening of warmth, humour, and a sincere, beautifully staged tribute to a literary classic.

Little Women plays at Liverpool Playhouse until Saturday 08 November. Tickets are available here.

Abi Kelly is a writer and theatre enthusiast who has studied both Drama and Scriptwriting. A lover of weird and wonderful stories, she’s usually found at home with a book in hand or deep in a theatre seat.