Little Women at Lighthouse Poole Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Mel S-W
As a child, I was an absolute fan of the classics, and Little Women by Louisa May Alcott was one of my all-time favourites. Over the years, the story has remained close to my heart, with countless references and adaptations keeping it alive — from Winona Ryder’s 1994 portrayal to Greta Gerwig’s stunning 2019 film. And who could forget that iconic Friends episode where Joey hides the book in the freezer to avoid the heartbreak?
Now, Anne-Marie Casey’s new stage adaptation brings Little Women to life once again, gracing the Lighthouse Poole stage for five nights from Tuesday 16 to Saturday 20 September.
Directed by Loveday Ingram, the show features a stellar cast. Belinda Lang, known for Sister Boniface Mysteries and 2point4 Children, plays the formidable Aunt March. Juliet Aubrey, from Middlemarch and All Creatures Great and Small, portrays the nurturing Marmee. Natalie Dunne, seen in Locked Up Abroad, takes on the role of the spirited Josephine. The cast also includes Tom Richardson as Brooke/Bhaer, Jewelle Hutchinson as Amy, Megan Richards as Beth, Jade Oswald as Meg, and Perry Williams as Laurie.
Belinda Lang was simply fabulous as Aunt March — comical, commanding, and utterly believable as one of those wealthy, eccentric aunts from the era. She added a delightful air of grandeur to every scene she graced.
Set in the Civil War era, Little Women was an instant success upon its release, inspired by Alcott’s own upbringing. The story follows the March sisters — tomboy and aspiring writer Jo, sensible Meg, gentle Beth, and precocious Amy — as they navigate the expectations of womanhood. At a time when marrying well was seen as the only path to security, Jo’s defiance and determination to chart her own course remain deeply inspiring.
Natalie Dunne’s portrayal of Josephine was exceptional. She held the audience in the palm of her hand, capturing Jo’s restless energy and emotional evolution with nuance and heart. Her transformation from erratic youth to self-assured woman was beautifully rendered.
The staging was simple yet evocative: a battered piano and chaise lounge hinted at the family’s changing fortunes, while the dining table anchored the heart of the home. Josephine’s writing desk stood as a quiet symbol of her independence. Tall trees framed the set, creating a sense of intimacy and boundary. I enjoyed the simplicity of the staging. The whole space was used with purpose with the few outfit changes being visible to those in the audience.
At its core, the show is about love, family, and the courage to be yourself. The cast delivered a stirring performance, capturing the highs and lows of the sisters’ lives. When Beth’s death arrived, you could hear sniffles and see tears being wiped away across the audience. The message throughout was clear and powerful: be who you want to be and own it with confidence.
I thoroughly enjoyed tonight’s performance — a solid 4 out of 5.
Rating: 4/5
Tickets started from £20 and can be purchased from www.lighthousepoole.co.uk
To find out what else is coming up at the Lighthouse Poole, check out their What’s On Guide here > www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/whats-on
The full address is Lighthouse, Arts and Entertainment, 21 Kingland Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1UG