The literary classic Little Women has been adapted time and time again for theatre and this latest stage version successfully captures the spirit of the novel.

Adapted by Anne-Marie Casey from Louisa May Alcott's novel, the play had its opening night on Tuesday, October 11 at Watford Palace Theatre.

Set in 1860s America during the Civil War, it follows the lives of the four March sisters, their relationships, and how they learn to navigate a patriarchal society.

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Through comedy, song, and onstage chemistry, the actors perfectly portrayed the happy, loving, but sometimes fraught relationships between the sisters.

Stage design was also used to highlight the importance of family in the novel. Throughout the play, wherever the characters were in the world, the trees around the Marchs’ home in Act 1 stayed on set.

Watford Observer: The trees were on stage throughout the play, symbolic of the family's roots and connection to each other. Picture: Greta ZabulyteThe trees were on stage throughout the play, symbolic of the family's roots and connection to each other. Picture: Greta Zabulyte (Image: Greta Zabulyte)

They were symbolic, perhaps, of the family’s strong relationships – wherever the March sisters went, they were always rooted in their home and connected with each other.

Rachael McCallister shone playing Jo March – often described as the story’s protagonist.  

McCallister struck a balance between showing Jo’s love for books, family, her desire for independence and her humorous despisal of high society and the restrictions that come with it.

Watford Observer: Rachael McAllister as Jo March (left) and Amelia Donkor as Marmee (right). Picture: Greta ZabulyteRachael McAllister as Jo March (left) and Amelia Donkor as Marmee (right). Picture: Greta Zabulyte (Image: Greta Zabulyte)

All the actors who played the March sisters captured their characters’ good and bad traits in equal measure.

The second half felt a little rushed, but the storylines were all gathered together.

It would have been nice to see more of the relationship between Laurie and Amy; for those who may not have read the book, this might have come out of the blue.

Watford Observer: The play stayed faithful to the novel and focussed on the family connection. Picture: Greta ZabulThe play stayed faithful to the novel and focussed on the family connection. Picture: Greta Zabul (Image: Greta Zabul)

But overall, the play’s depiction of four girls finding their own way in the world was a respectful adaptation of Little Women.   

The production is more than worthy of being part of Watford’s One Town, One Book, One Play event set up in 2020 to help connect people through the arts.

Performances run until October 22. Tickets range from £5 to £108. For bookings, visit https://watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk/events/little-women/#booking_block or call 01923 225 671.

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