Reader Reviews
Little Women (Duchess Theatre, West End)
Back to Show Details| Score | Comment | Date |
 | Well what can I say other than I was bored out of brains watching this. The highlight of this performance was the singers and thats as far it goes. Dont get me wrong the actors seemed to do their very best but I think more comedy could have been used...but maybe I just expect too much! - 80.177.199.145) | 10 Nov 04 |
| we just want to say sorry for laughing the other night during the play, but we just couldn't stop, and that lady in front of us was furious, but every time we tried to get serious, one of the actors would say something and the accents were so weird it got us going again. It was rude and we are sorry, but except for the American lady who played Aunt March, we started saying they all sounded like, Iraqui spies who sneaked into the White House pretending to be Americans, and then we started making all these gross jokes about bombing the theatre, and the lady in front said she was going to complain to the management, so we are really sorry, but since you want our opinion, it was a terrible play, nothing like the book, and except for that American lady, all the actors sounded like they had never met an American in their lives, which If you think about it, is pretty offensive. We thought they could have at leasttried. - 159.134.212.71) | 07 Nov 04 |
| For me, 'Little Women' definitely scores a high five. At first I was disappointed that there wasn't any scenery to speak of, but I soon forgot that as I got caught up in the March family dramas. I loved Meg's (Sarah Edwardson) temptation by high society, followed by her courtship, which was acted in a most amusing way. Amy's (Diana Eskell) growing up from amusing spoilt youngest to charming young woman was done naturally in a most sincere way. The other sisters, Jo (Sarah Grochala) and Beth (Phoebe Thomas) were also impressive, as indeed was the whole cast, with Daniel Betts as the professor bringing everything to an uplifting climax. I do recommend you to see this! - 195.92.67.74) | 28 Oct 04 |
| This is the perfect show to take the kids to see for Christmas!! It’s so nice to see this classic book brought to life in the West End. And this adaptation is delightful! The first act brings to life the first novel-Little Women-and with exceptional pace we move onto Good Wives in the second. And it’s the pace of this adaptation that brings such vitality to the story! How often have I been to the theatre and found myself wondering when a scene would end? Well…many times. But this is different. The time flies by! It was also surprising to find how much humour there was to be extracted from the original text! My male friend (who I know would rather be watching Match of the Day) turned to me in the interval and enthusiastically proclaimed how much he was enjoying it and that he didn’t think it would be his “cup of tea” but he was really glad he came. That says it all to me. And if you’re a fan of the musicals then you really have to hear the singing in this! Phenomenal. Unlike anything else you’ll hear in the West End. And trust me. I am much pickier than Simon Cowell. - 195.92.67.78) | 28 Oct 04 |
| Little Women, Big Heart! How had I ever managed to avoid this story? I hadn't read the book, seen any adaptations of it, worn the t-shirt or even watched it as a film. I just knew a little bit about the story and some of the issues it tackles. So when I stepped into the Duchess and took my seat I really didn't know what to expect. Yet from the first moment to the last, this lovely play had me captivated. Emma Reeves' script take us through all the serious issues; growing up, love, loss, ambition, rejection, death, loyalty, companionship and so on, setting it amongst a simple and effective set that makes moving between sub-plots, contexts and characters a simple visual and often filmic treat. Cap this with an excellent accapella choir which appears every, ghosted against the backdrop as it adds swirling tender harmonies to the mix, and it makes for an atmosphere that fills the theatre and hooks you in. There was one comment in the reviews section here about the use of humour. For me, by using touches of humour, Emma Reeves reminds us that despite all the problems and turmoil that life throws at us, there is always a reserve of humanity that we can draw upon to get us through. This comes through perfectly and from the reaction of the sell-out crowd this was a welcome element, and neither over-used or irrelevant. Finally, this might feel like a Christmas play in that it warms the cockles and the heart, but why do we only want to feel this way at Christmas? This is really a great uplifting play for anytime and for anyone. Go see! - 62.188.67.36) | 19 Oct 04 |
| I thought the Novel Theatre’s production of Little Women was utterly charming. The faithful adaptation totally captures each of the March sister’s distinct personalities as well as showing the complexities of the relationships between them. The books moral message is clear throughout but the production balances this by drawing upon Alcott’s subtle humour which is so often overlooked. The highly skilled direction ensures an even balance of humour and emotion throughout the play and spoils the audience with beautifully heart-warming scenes that are never allowed to become too sentimental. There is a great sense of period throughout which highlights how forward-thinking feminist Jo really is and demonstrates to a modern audience just how ahead of its time the book was. There are some fantastic performances too, most notably from some more flamboyant characters such as Amy and the fabulous Professor Bhaer; but also from the more understated characters such as Meg and Beth. The relationships and depth of emotion is believable and realistic throughout. This polished production is made even more enjoyable by the beautiful singing that intersperses the scenes, which was a particular highlight for me. Each song was a perfect choice, superbly performed and my only criticism is that it was a shame that there wasn’t more of it! It’s not often that late on a rainy night in London that I can walk home in the cold feeling so uplifted but that is exactly how I felt after spending the evening watching Little Women at the Duchess. I highly recommend it and it’s about time that such a production is given a well-deserved place in the West End. - 81.157.183.72) | 18 Oct 04 |
| The simple and graphic layout of the stage and the ingenious way in which the well-cast characters appear and move through its depths and spaces provides remarkable life, flow and wholeness to the production. I especially enjoyed the contribution of the 'acapella' singers as they appear and disappear ghostlike to enhance key story points. The cast gave excellent performances and German professor with his hilarious mannerisms was unforgettable. My friends and I loved every moment of this unusual and memorable adaption of Little Women. - 195.92.67.67) | 18 Oct 04 |
| I've seen this show twice and it was an excellent evening's entertainment, faithful to the book and with some extraordinary singing and some great performances. The show is moving, touching and very funny in places - and the humour is all derived from Louisa May Alcott's books. - 195.92.67.75) | 15 Oct 04 |
| I liked it. I wouldn't say loved it but I did like it. The performances were very good, with the professor the standout character. The singing too was delightful. This isn't especially challenging or groundbreaking but it is a very pleasant night at the theatre. - 82.69.37.108) | 14 Oct 04 |
| This wonderful adaptation of Little Women was a delight to watch, managing to keep both the humour and the sentiment of this classic, much loved, novel. Adding a wonderful sense of emotion to the on-stage action were moving musical arrangements of traditional spiritual songs, which provide a sense of time, place and belief vital to this story. The cast’s performances were appealing; the action humorous and heartbreaking in its turn, and the singing superb. The story of the March family remains as moving and as engaging as ever in this stage version, and it is a pleasure to have these Little Women in the West End. - 213.38.45.130) | 14 Oct 04 |
| I thoroughly enjoyed this adaption of 'Little Women', which remains very true to the novel and provides tears and laughter a plenty! There are some outstanding performances, particularly from Daniel Betts (Fred Vaughan/Professor Bhaer), Ann Micklethwaite (Sallie Gardiner) and Diane Eskell (Amy). I highly recommend it! Lisa Gambino - Entertainment News. - 62.173.115.253) | 14 Oct 04 |
| I am an American Academic with a special interest in American Utopian communities of the 19th Century. This, of course gives me an interest in the Alcott family, which led me to buy a ticket for Monday night's performnace of 'Little Women.' I very seldom attend the theatre and thus cannot comment on the acting or the production in technical terms. However it did seem odd to me that a character called 'Aunt Carol' has been inserted, and that the part is played by a man. I do not understand the reason for this as it seemed to add nothing to the performance. Also, I found the American accents most distressing. The adaptation showed no real understanding of the book and there were many inaccuracies in period detail. These things detracted greatly from my enjoyment, I am afraid, and I would not reccommend this play to any of my friends and colleagues. Having said that,I feel I must add that the singing was most enjoyable and the acting by Professor Bhaer, Beth and Aunt March was delightfully true to the book. I am sorry to damn with faint praise, but I hope that all concerned will take it in the spirit in which it is offered, as constructive criticism to be used for improvement. - 212.126.156.207) | 13 Oct 04 |
| Children enjoy putting on plays at home for the 'delight' of their parents, grannies, etc. that's fine, but there is no reason to take this stuff into the West End, any more than photos of ones newborn belong in teh National gallery. 'Little Women' is a mess: it goes for teh quaint and teh 'charming' and ignores the fact that the book is NOT particularly quaint - it is a serious story of a moral journey - the ongoing referenecs to Pilgrims progress are no accident. Without that underpinning the story has no resonance - and this production lacks resonance to a startling degree. It is filled with misplaced scenes, unnecessary character additions and cheap humour - it is also seriously miscast in almost every part.Jo is much too old, too mature, and has nothing of the 'real' Jo's lanky, tomboyish, loving passion that reaches out to life, stumbles, grows and moves forward. What we saw was a mature actress with a terrible American accent and worse diction, posing as if every other actor's face was a mirror. Marmee is amost as bad - the sing-song speech destroyed the charactesr strngth, and teh constant inane smiling completely undermind her moral position in teh story - here again, there was no sense of period whasoever. An example: when Jo applies for a job as a mother's help (after failing ot please Aunt March) why does Marmee laugh about Aunt March and allow Jo to laugh as well? This moment is a failure of acting, writing and direction. One could go on, pickign out terrible moemnts, but suffice ti to say that anyone who has not read the book would find it difficult to understand its classic status, and why it continues to have resonance for generations of girls. anyoen who has read teh books will onyl be outraged by a scrit that does nto begin wiht oen of the most famour openign liens in literature (Christmas won't be Christmas without any presents') but relegates it, along with the episode of the Hummels Christmas - the moral springboard of the story - to a casual moment, which is almost a throwaway, following a needless introduction of the March girls.the original opening scene is a sufficient and unforgettable introduction.Also: why does Marmee read aloud letters to her absent husband, giving information which we have just seen acted before us? I also missed the presence of Papa back from the war (here he is only an offstage voice that sounds as if it is Mr.March as a child.) With such inept writing and direction oen cannot expect too much of this inexperienced cast, but even so, the accents are unforgivable,as are the compelte unawareness of period manners and attitudes. There are one or two exceptions.Professor Baer, although far too young fro teh part, gives a solidly thought out performance, which is consistent, believable, and at two moments (when he thinks he has lost Jo and when he realises she loves him) are genuinely moving. And Aunt March is a beautifully judged performance, in which the actress manages to Aunt March as both the formidable 'rich relative'of the Alcott story, and as a vulnerable human being in her own right. To achieve this is an enormous accomplishment- Aunt March is a small part in terms of time onstage (as on page) time, but the performance is by far and away the most honest thing on the stage of the Duchess theatre. And her accent is flawless.If only she could play all the parts. I gather this production has done well in smaller venues. Perhaps it should stay there, where it will give delight to the Mummies and Daddies of everyone inbvolved and tea will be served afterwards, with Grannie's fairy cakes for the little performers.But please, don't bring this stuff to the West End. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (212.126.145.194) | 10 Oct 04 |
