Since its initial publication in 1868, Louisa May Alcott’s semi-autobiographical novel Little Women has captivated readers’ hearts and remains one of the most beloved novels of all time — and it has found just as much affection on stage too, such as right here in Manchester’s HOME Theatre.
Against the backdrop of the American Civil War, the book draws inspiration from Alcott’s own upbringing with her three sisters in what, despite the very specific historical context, turned out to be a very relatable and familiar feeling story filled with plenty of compelling character studies.
Little Women tells the tale of the March family, with the story revolving around the hardworking mother, Marmee, and her four daughters: Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy.
As their father serves in the war, the narrative follows the sisters’ journey from childhood to adulthood, navigating the challenges of survival in New England during the War.
(Credit: HOME Manchester)
It achieves a perfect blend of humour, drama, romance and, of course, tragedy, along the way, and it’s easy to see the influences director Brigid Larmour has brought to the production.
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Bringing her expertise and acclaim from The Merchant of Venice 1936, not only does the theatrical performance sweep you in the spirit of the age but, just like the hugely popular and successful movie adaptation by Greta Gerwig in 2019, the production boasts an impressive cast.
From Kacey Ainsworth as mum Marmee, known for her role as ‘Little Mo’ in Eastenders, to Jessica Brydges, Rachael McAllister, Meg Chaplin and Julia Brown as the differing daughters (Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy, respectively), they all bring Alcott classic characters to life and without feeling like a various obvious nod to their recent Hollywood portrayals.
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The ensemble is rounded out by Daniel Francis-Swaby, Susan Twist and Tom Richardson: all of whom are seasoned performers on stage and screen — and it shows, pulling just the right amount of focus from the central figures and shining in their own right.
The most notable nod to the supporting cast goes to Twist, who plays Aunt March and emerges as a formidable force, providing comic relief during tense moments and adding an extra layer of entertainment to the production.
Manchester’s HOME theatre makes for the perfect space to bring Little Women to life.
Overall, the overarching family dynamic in Little Women mirrors the funny and chaotic moments reminiscent of those Christmas gatherings just around the corner, evoking a sense of nostalgia and universality through the little quirks and idiosyncrasies that define family life.
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In short, it’s akin to experiencing many ‘Christopher Columbus!’ moments in real-time, discovering uncharted territories within the family circle as you go — something everyone can identify with.
Anne-Marie Casey’s celebrated modern adaptation of the classic story, complemented by a stellar lineup both in its on-stage personalities, Larmour direction and wider creative team, along with a touch of festive cheer, makes Little Women a must-see production this winter.
All in all, it was a heartwarming show suitable for all ages which guarantees to resonate with both those discovering the tale for the first time and those first captivated by reading it on the page. Playing at HOME until 23 December, you can grab your tickets HERE.
Little Women is comfortably one of the best shows in Manchester right now.
Legally Blonde the Musical at Opera House, Manchester – the campest of revamps
Amy Williams
If you’re thinking about going seeing Legally Blonde at The Opera House this November, let us tell you why you absolutely should.
The iconic West End musical, based on the award-winning film starring Reese Witherspoon, is back on tour, and in Manchester for the next two weeks.
If you haven’t seen it before then let us give you an idea of what it’s about – the story follows Elle Woods, a girl from Malibu, who is madly in love with her high school sweetheart.
The problem is he wants something more ‘serious’ than her, which is when she decides she’ll follow him to Harvard and become a law student, to prove she’s more than just the ‘dumb blonde’ he thinks she is.
On stage, Legally Blonde’s dialogue is almost entirely through song, so you expect there’ll be good voices amongst the cast – and they really do live up to expectations.
West End darling Amber Davies stars as Elle Woods, turning her 2018 Love Island win into an illustrious musical career that has seen her star in shows like Pretty Woman, The Great Gatsby, and 9 to 5. She absolutely blew us away.
Also putting on an incredible show is Karen Mavundukure as well, who plays Paulette, a hairdresser who becomes friends with Elle.
And some of the biggest ‘awws’ of the night of course went to the two wonderful dogs of the show, Sprout and Rocco.
Legally Blonde will make you laugh, have you sat in awe at the voices and stage set, and also really pull you into the story in hope that Elle gets what she REALLY wants in the end…
Legally Blonde is at Opera House Manchester until Saturday 14 November, make sure to grab tickets HERE before it’s too late.
ENB’s Romeo & Juliet at Palace Theatre Manchester – the world’s most famous story expertly reimagined | Review
Emily Sergeant
Every now and then you experience a bit of a full circle moment… and for me, this was one of them.
Back in 2011, when I was a dance-obsessed 14-year-old, taking and assisting classes countless times a week, I became enamoured by a BBC documentary series called Agony & Ecstasy: A Year with English National Ballet. As one of the country’s premier ballet companies – celebrating its 60th anniversary at the time of the documentary – ENB allowed cameras behind the scenes, from the rehearsal room to backstage, giving audiences a previously unseen inside look on what it takes to stage some of the most spectacular productions your eyes will ever meet.
One of the ballets being staged in the year the BBC followed the company was Romeo & Juliet.
Based on a story known around the world and with an unmistakable score by Prokofiev, it’s a ballet I was already fond of prior to the documentary, but seeing the work that went into making the show a reality, up close like never before, it turned into one of my favourites.
Over the years, I have been fortunate enough to see several different dance stagings of Romeo & Juliet – but last night, at the Palace Theatre in Manchester, was the first time I got to sit in the audience and see English National Ballet’s production live with my own eyes.
And it was just as magical as I was hoping it would be.
ENB’s Romeo & Juliet is now on stage at Manchester Palace Theatre / Credit: Laurent Liotardo
Right off the bat, I’m just going to presume you already have somewhat of a grasp on the story of Romeo & Juliet, right? Given the fact it’s arguably Shakespeare’s most famous work and one of the most iconic plays of all time.
And you’ll be pleased to know, even if you’re not seasoned in watching ballet, that the story we all know and love remains largely intact for this production, therefore making it easy for audiences of all ages and interests to follow along and admire.
The two title characters, the star-crossed lovers themselves, were embodied expertly by Rentaro Nakaaki and Julia Conway as Romeo and Juliet, who had the audience captivated from the second they entered the stage – with undeniable chemistry and enviable technique.
Fabian Reimair took on the role of Tybalt with ease, Noam Durand was Mercutio, and Rodrigo Pinto was Benvolio, all while Elvis Nudo and Minju Kang stepped into the shoes of Paris and Rosaline.
But the lead roles are nothing without the wider cast of supporting dancers and character actors, who really help transport you to 14th century Verona and help bring the authenticity a production as epic as this requires.
The world’s most famous story has been expertly reimagined / Credit: Bill Cooper | Laurent Liotardo
Aside from the dancing, it would be remiss not to praise the expert sets and costuming here from Ezio Frigero and Franca Squarciapino.
And I suppose I should also give a shoutout to little-known name, Rudolf Nureyev, who choreographed this version of Romeo & Juliet all the way back in 1977. Something tells me he would’ve had a great career… I could be wrong, though.
Romeo & Juliet really is one of the most tragic love stories of all time, and the power of that is not lost through dance. It’s still as raw and heartbreaking in this production as it always is.
And that is truly a credit to every single person forming part of it – both on the stage and off.
The Manc -
13th December 2023 
