Little Women

Little Women is the second play directed by talented young director Lily Ward in the last six months. Picnic at Hanging Rock in September of 2024 was a challenging piece for all concerned. It was a moving production where skilful direction and top notch acting resulted in a high level of artistry.

Little Women is a very different show, scheduled during the summer holidays to attract a family audience. The episodic script reflects the initial composition of Louisa May Alcott’s work as a series of short stories. Each of the four sisters is cast as a “young” and “older” version of themselves. Alternating between two timelines increases the poignancy of moments when childhood aspiration comes into conflict with adult realities. This feature of the script makes increasing sense as the story unfolds. For example, Young Meg’s childhood promise not to leave Young Jo is juxtaposed against Adult Meg’s emerging relationship with John Brook. These transitions are smoothly facilitated by well-chosen music.

An incidental and providential consequence of the Young/Older casting is the benefit to the eight (double cast) younger sisters in being given the opportunity to play age-appropriate roles and be mentored by older teens who know what they are doing.

Emily Hardie (Jo) was favourably reviewed in Picnic at Hanging Rock. She brings a great deal of energy to the role of Jo. Jo is a coveted role and Hardie gets to play the two high stakes scenes of the burnt book and Laurie’s proposal. Hardie is loose limbed and comfortable in her body in her depiction of Jo without emulating masculinity.

Stella Wesseldine (Meg) held the stage in Picnic at Hanging Rock and brings presence to the role of Meg. Wesseldine has compelling grace and beauty as well as talent.

Lucy Willis (Amy) manages to make Amy a sympathetic villain.  Willis shone in Picnic but clearly enjoys playing the petulant and selfish Amy.

The role of Beth offers least material to work with, but this role is ably taken by Sophie Johnson. Eliza Mudge has the right demeanour as Marmee, Abbie Cross is a charming Hannah, Zac Sayer has all the attributes for the role of Laurie Lawrence and Jordan Miller rounds out the cast taking the roles of Mr Lawrence and Mr March.

For those who know the story, the script is quaint and predictable, which is as it should be. Director Ward does not change things up too much, but groups her actors in postcard worthy vignettes. In this, Ward is assisted by Suzen Parnell’s thoughtful costuming. One ugly hemline (intentional?) is more than redeemed by Jo’s Act 2 coat.

Ward eschewed the standard box set for several well-placed items of furniture and a backdrop of quilts held up on a line with clothes pins. The quilts evoked the patchwork nature of the episodic script. It provided an upstage exit and a functional curtain for the play within the play. Pastels and darker colours picked up the colours associated with each sister. This backdrop also emphasised the fact the play was set during a time of war where making do was necessary. Lighting is sepia warm.

Whilst Little Women is charming and somewhat dated, the message of pulling together during dark times endures. Themes of family, loss and choice will remain relevant. Exit Left has chosen a well-loved story for the summer family entertainment.

Anne Blythe-Cooper

Photo Credits Exit Left