NEWS/REVIEWS

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November 2004
Little Women reviewed by Kate Young in The Isle of Wight County Press 5/11/04
(reproduced by kind permission of the Isle of Wight County Press)

There was some morable acting by members of the cast of Little Women, performed by Cowes Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society at Trinity Theatre last week.

This three-act play, adapted from the classic story by Louisa May Alcott, was a mammoth show at almost three hours long, yet many of the characters shone in their roles. Seventeen-year-old Nicky Stanley was superb as Jo, the character based on writer Alcott, who had the lion's share of lines.

Not only was she word-perfect but she was lively and animated throughout and sang well too.

Threlve-year-old Emily Ross was impressive as Amy. This was a large and emotional part for someone so young yet she acted out the many tantrums and sulks well.

Adam Newton, also only in his teens, cut a dash as Laurie and he and Jo made a beautifully choreographed pair in the ball scenes. Jane Maclean was suitably frosty and forbidding as Aunt March, while Ruth Lyons and Rosie Pritchard were good in their roles as Meg and Beth.

This adaptation of Little Women by Sheila Corbett skipped some of the book's key storylines, such as Beth's long illness, which ultimately brought John and Meg closer together. Despite this, Meg's refusal of marriage and later acceptance to John Brooke, played by Adam Howard, was wholly believable.

Julia Caws made a homely Marmee and Martyn Stanley made the most of his small role as Mr March, arriving home from the war at last.

Praise too for Fred Caws as Mr Lawrence, whose polka scene with Laurie and Jo was particularly entertaining.

This tale of growing up and young love was produced by Linda Gammon, with choreography by Ann Rowbotham and costumes by Jane Maclean.

The pianist, who had a lot of music to play throughout the show, was John Denby.