
It’s America – the 1860s. How are four teenage sisters and their mother going to cope on their own with father away fighting in the Civil War? Rather well, it would appear but not without their struggles. Welcome to Louisa May Alcott’s classic semi-autobiographical, coming-of-age novel Little Women, as adapted for the stage by Anne-Marie Casey. READ ABOUT IT HERE
Currently showing at Oxford Playhouse, the question that faces all the March sisters throughout this perennially relevant play is how do you follow your dreams while being tempted or constrained by societal norms?

The story centres on second sister Jo (Grace Molony), who is fiercely loyal to her family yet passionately ambitious about becoming a successful writer. However, society (personified here by the amusingly strict Aunt March (Belinda Lang), wants her to become a wife and mother. As a writer, should she follow the dollar or take a risk and write from her heart?
By contrast, beautiful sister Meg (Jade Kennedy) is quite literally at pains to conform, as demonstrated at the local dance in her stylish but ill-fitting high-heels. Should these girls marry for love or for a secure future?

Life in the March household carries on through marriages, births and death in this constantly engaging plot, complete with twists and the wonderful energy that all the actors brought to this heart-warming story.
Slow, solemn scenes are interspersed with fun, laughter and romance as the sisters love and fight with each other, and the outside world.

Kudos then, not just to the fine cast, but also the team behind the seamless set changes, swishing long skirts and touching round-the-piano family sing-alongs. A tender, touching triumph.
Little Women is at Oxford Playhouse until Saturday March 31. Book here: https://www.oxfordplayhouse.com/events/little-women
Edward Bliss