STUDENT THEATRE REVIEW: Little Women - The Waterside Theatre, Manchester.

This was only the second time I have seen a production of the musical version of Louisa M. Alcott's seminal novel, the first being at another Manchester theatre, Hope Mill, a few years' ago. The latter being a major professional touring production, whilst this was performed by third year students from The Arden Theatre School's Musical Theatre degree course. I had been left unmoved and disappointed by the latter, hence my initial reserve at wanting to come along to see the musical again; feeling that the musical was long-winded and boring, with a storyline and characters that I could really not identify with - how wrong I was! This current production bounded with life, vitality, and earnestness, giving us a truly visceral and emotional rollercoaster of a ride through the lives of the March sisters, and I was hooked!

I have been reliably informed that there were two casts for this musical, and so my sincere apologies to the cast I did not have the opportunity of watching, I can only make comment on the cast for the Friday afternoon performance, and say that, if they were only half as good as the cast I did watch, then they would still have been brilliant! 

'Little Women' [music by Jason Howland, lyrics by Mindi Dickstein, and a book by Allan Knee] is the semi-autobiographical account of the four March sisters, their mother, aunt and their lives in Concord, Massachusetts in the mid-to-late 1800s, whilst their father is away fighting in the Civil War. There is drama, romance, tragedy, sensationalism, love, in fact, you would be hard pushed to find another musical which crams in so much without it feeling 'stagey' or 'Shakespearean'. I am reappraising this musical as I write...!

The centrepiece of this story is, of course, Alcott herself.. although here (as in the novel) she is Jo (Josephine) March. A wild, aspiring writer; nonconformist, tomboy, renegade of her age, full of fun and fantasy, a dreamer and a creator, played here with such youthful zest that it was impossible not to completely engage with her and root for her right from the start. Abby Valentine's portrayal was sincere, simple, and yet highly nuanced and full throttle; a true tour-de-force! Her three sisters were: the more sober and traditional Meg (Hollie Wright), the romantic Amy (Eleanor Moulson), and the more reserved and demure Beth (Mia Overfield). All three of these consummate actresses bringing superb and realistic characters to life, and, along with their mother, Marmee (Sarah Pearson), made a cohesive and believable family unit. Their onstage chemistry working superbly together, as well as their singing abilities. Pearson's role (despite being the same age as her daughters) was centred, focussed, almost majestic in her adulthood and authority. A calming, understanding, and yet controlling force that all four sisters looked up to and respected. 

Megan Hickie brought a sense of fun to her character as the aging but oh, so respectable society woman, Aunt March; whilst Alex Casperd, James Bradshaw, and Harry Privett brought the male characters in this story vividly to life with ease. Casperd's Laurie was innocent, plaintive, and totally sympathetic, whilst Bradshaw as John, gave us uprightness and honesty. Privett had the challenge of portraying two entirely different characters, bringing both humour and probity to both, never relying on caricature, keeping a centred, understated, and well-measured approach to the characters, making Prof Bhaer especially likeable, and giving Lawrence and almost Scrooge-like quality. 

The cast completed with 5 ensemble members bringing Jo's stories to life. The entire company excelling in their singing and harmony abilities. 

One must congratulate director Khiley Williams. She made the show ebullient and engaging, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in their world. We were heartbroken when tragedy struck - I even caught myself whelling up on a couple of occasions: something a hardened theatregoer like myself is normally inured to - whilst her movement direction always enhanced the narrative, creating some lovely images. 

A cleverly and thoughtfully realised production full of youthful energy and earnest simplicity, fully deserving of a wider audience. I don't often stand at the end of shows when applauding - I was on my feet this afternoon. Bravissimi!

Reviewer - Matthew Dougall
on - 20.5.22