Attic Theatre goes from strength to strength with superb production of the classic, Little Women.

Abigail Drennan and Emily Tietz. Photo courtesy of Tread the Boards.

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. Performed at The Attic Theatre, Stratford upon Avon, from 13 to 28 September 2025. Director Alexandra Whitworth. Adaptation by Catherine Prout.

Review by Charles Essex

Tread the Boards put on their best performance to date at The Attic Theatre with this magnificent production of Little Women, the Louisa May Alcott classic tale of family values.  Cassandra Wilson was superb in two roles.  Firstly, as Marmee, the benign and supportive mother holding the family together, giving a moral compass to her four daughters, whilst the father (Andy Woolley, excellent in several different roles) was away.  In contrast she was the wonderfully crotchety Aunt March threatening to disinherit Marmee’s eldest daughter Meg (Abigail Drennan). 

The cast of Little Women. Photo courtesy of Tread the Boards.

Director Alexandra Whitworth was blessed with a cast who were ideal for each role in this brilliant adaptation by Catherine Prout that took the audience through a roller coaster of emotions.  Rosie Coles was entirely believable as the feisty tomboy Jo, with ideal male gestures and attitude. Abigail Drennan gave eldest daughter Meg a maturity and wisdom, whilst Beth was portrayed with shyness and timidity by Jasmine Arden-Brown. Emily Tietz, fresh from Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, had a wonderful sparkle as youngest daughter Amy.

Several scenes stood out as examples of fine acting and direction. When Amy fell through the ice, off stage, the sound effects and panic were as effective as if we had witnessed it.

George Ormerod was first class as young neighbour Laurie, infatuated with Jo. Jo was honest about her feelings for him. One could feel the emotion as they confessed their conflicting sentiments to each other: Laurie amour, wanting marriage; Jo fraternal affection, for a brother she never had.

Rosie Coles. Photo courtesy of Tread the Boards.

All the cast had great chemistry no matter who they were playing opposite or the relationship. They all maintained their gentle New England accents throughout and sang well. Their rendition of Amazing Grace being especially moving when tragedy occurred. Ben Powell, who took several roles, gave a convincing German accent as Frederick, the professor who finally won Jo’s heart. The costumes were excellent and Kat Murray’s lighting and sound, with music ranging from The Nutcracker to country and western, moved the play along through several locations and several years.

The story was underpinned by moral rectitude based on Christian values with the emphasis on treating others well and behaving with integrity. It is an uplifting tale and can be recommended for an all-age audience.

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