Little Women, big challenge
A one-woman acting masterclass
... all the characters are played by the charismatic Hannah Churchill ... you have to admire the sheer skill and talent that she brings to the various roles
Little Women at The Watermill, Bagnor, on Friday, October 8 and Saturday, October 9
LOUISA May Alcott’s classic novel Little Women published in 1868 was a huge success and has been turned into movies and stage plays including a recent musical.
It’s lovingly adapted by Jenny Wicks and Hannah Churchill with help from Kieran Capaldi in this striking, captivating production. Set in the time of the American Civil War, it traces the lives, aspirations and loves of the four March daughters as they grow up. Their father has gone to fight in the war, leaving the family to live a somewhat frugal existence in Massachusetts. Their story is told through the eyes of the tomboyish Jo, determined to become an author. Meg is the eldest daughter and contributes to the family’s income by tutoring a neighbour’s children. Beth is content with staying at home and helping with the housework and the youngest, Amy, is still at school. As with all siblings, they have their quarrels and are very much individual characters who are however both loving and supportive of each other. Jo Hotchkiss’ set design beautifully creates the attic where the action takes place. Piles of books support the roof and writing papers are suspended from the ceiling as reminders of Jo’s ambitious career. Four large wooden boxes bearing the girls’ name are centre stage and contain costumes that help to create the melodrama, The Witches Curse, and reveal all the props needed.
What makes this production stand out is that all the characters are played by the charismatic Hannah Churchill, who gives a masterclass in the art of acting. She effortlessly portrays the petulant Amy or the stoic Meg and the luckless Beth or indeed the academic professor. You have to admire the sheer skill and talent that she brings to the various roles. It’s a huge challenge that Churchill embraces with confidence and passion.
Reece Webster provides the romantic interest between himself and Jo, sympathetically playing Laurie, the girls’ wealthy young
neighbour. He also provides the music that counterpoints each scene so effectively.
They have a magical tangible chemistry that makes their whole relationship even more poignant as
the story unfolds.
Skilfully directed by Jenny Wicks, this was a moving and riveting production that thoroughly deserved the enthusiastic audience’s loud applause.