Little Women UK Tour Review

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Tue 15 Apr 2025 - Sat 01 Nov 2025

A new stage version of Louisa May Alcott's beloved tale Little Women is on a UK tour with an impressive cast. Yet with so many TV and film versions, I went to see whether this latest theatre production would bring anything new to the table.

I caught it at Malvern Theatres , where it stays until Saturday, April 19, ahead of its tour to cities including Birmingham, London, Aberdeen, Leeds and Bath. All dates are listed below.

A few months ago, I was lucky enough to visit the 'Little Women house' in which Alcott lived and based her story in New England. It struck me how the set design was in tune with that historic family home with its tall trees, dolls, writing table and piano. That wasn't the only authentic touch either.

Music and singing around that piano play a key part in this Little Women, adapted by Anne-Marie Casey and directed by Loveday Ingram, who was also behind the recent tour of Rebus: A Game Called Malice and The Girl On The Train.



Opening to the cast singing a haunting rendition of the Civil War march Glory, Glory Hallelujah, we are firmly taken back to this difficult era when 'Marmee' and her four daughters are struggling on while the men are away fighting for the abolitionist North.

That contrasts sharply with the free-spirited childhood antics of the four March sisters - Jo, Meg, Amy and Beth. There's a real vivaciousness on stage that realistically brings these four little women to life as they mature.

It's been adapted well, keeping to the essential storyline, so it feels mostly fast-paced over the 2 hours and 20 minutes, including an interval. It's a traditional version that's faithful to the novel, so it won't disappoint ardent fans.

This play works so well because all the sisters have been cast perfectly, with award-winning Grace Molony giving a standout performance as the main protagonist, Jo. You're always willing her on, and Molony manages to capture Jo's free-spirited, independent nature.

Added to that, there's a beautifully designed, simple set that manages to transform into different scenarios with the addition of a curtain or clever lighting, but always around a rather lovely chaise longue.



The team makes the most of Jack Ashton, pictured above and known for TV roles in Call The Midwife and Waterloo Road, as he plays two different romantic leads of John Brooke and later Professor Bhaer. He looks virtually the same, though in both parts, and it would have been nice if they'd tried to disguise him a little.

Among the sisters, Imogen Elliott especially impresses as self-centred Amy, toying the line between spoiled and likeable. Then there's Cillian Lenaghan as teenage neighbour Laurie, who befriends the family. He's got a natural stage presence and charm that has already earned him roles in TV shows Small Town, Big Story and The Woman In The Wall.

Unusually for respected actress Belinda Lang, of 2point4 Children fame, she takes on a grumpier role than normal as the girls' moaning, rich Aunt March. She's delightfully sour and one of the highlights of the show in her brief appearances.



Actress Honeysuckle Weeks, pictured above with Lang, plays 'Marmee' in a similar vein to her famous Foyle's War role of Sam. Very much with a keep calm and carry on attitude, but I'd like to have seen a bit more emotion, especially when Beth is fighting for her life.

This Little Women first aired at Pitlochry Festival Theatre, and I can see why it's been selected for a national tour. This first UK tour is in association with that theatre, The Belgrade Coventry and Blackpool Grand Theatre.

Little Women feels as comforting and cosy as being wrapped in a warm blanket. It's packed with romance, laughter and high spirits and is a joy from start to end.

RATING: 4 out of 5 stars


Little Women UK Tour Dates

Tue, 15th April 2025 to Sat, 19th April 2025
Malvern Theatres, Malvern

Tue, 22nd April 2025 to Sat, 26th April 2025
Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne

Tue, 29th April 2025 to Sat, 3rd May 2025
New Theatre, Cardiff

Tue, 6th May 2025 to Sat, 10th May 2025
Sheffield Theatres, Sheffield

Tue, 13th May 2025 to Sat, 17th May 2025
His Majesty's Theatre, Aberdeen

Tue, 20th May 2025 to Sat, 24th May 2025
Birmingham Rep Theatre, Birmingham

Tue, 3rd June 2025 to Sat, 7th June 2025
Richmond Theatre, London

Tue, 10th June 2025 to Sat, 14th June 2025
Grand Theatre and Opera House, Leeds

Tue, 17th June 2025 to Sat, 21st June 2025
Theatre Royal Plymouth, Plymouth

Tue, 30th September 2025 to Sat, 4th October 2025
Darlington Hippodrome, Darlington

Tue, 28th October 2025 to Sat, 1st November 2025
Theatre Royal, Bath

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