The Stage

Little Women - The Musical

Published Monday 19 December 2011 at 12:07 by Paul Vale

Based on Louisa May Alcott’s charming novel telling the story of four young girls and their mother during the American Civil War, Little Women - The Musical comes as something of a surprise. Authors Lionel Segal and Peter Layton have managed to capture both the resilience and romance of the original novel and with a little re-working could easily have a hit on their hands. The songs are fresh and appealing, from the both witty and telling Loverin’ to the full throttle production number The First Lady of Literature, Segal’s evocative composition and thoughtful rhymes are a constant joy.

A scene from Little Women the Musical at Lost, London Photo: Pete Smith

No doubt, a great debt is owed to a wonderful cast of, albeit varying ability, that appears totally committed to the integrity of the piece. Charlotte Newton John nails Jo March’s character perfectly, striking an astute blend of arrogance and practicality. Much of the humour for the evening is provided by the wonderful Caroline Rogers as a pert and pretty Amy, while Claire Chambers and Laura Hope London are perfectly cast as Meg and Beth respectively. With Nicola Delaney as the warm-hearted Mrs March, these five women create an endearing family unit that is implicit rather than laboured with any clumsy exposition.

An unimaginative staging and somewhat cliched design threaten this harmony upon occasion but Little Women has to be one of the best new musicals to arrive on the London Fringe in 2011.