WITH seven movies, 12 TV adaptations, several musicals and operas, Louisa May Alcott’s 1868 classic novel ‘Little Women’ is showing no signs of waning in popularity; something local director, Jane Thompson, is banking on as she brings her own stage version to The Victoria Hall Theatre this November.

“It’s been an ambition of mine for many years to bring this story to the stage” said Jane, who has adapted the classic novel herself after struggling to find the right script. “Modern audiences expect the full story, that you would see if you loved some of the modern films. But most of the scripts I read finished half way through the story. I felt my audience deserved a version as faithful as possible to Louisa Alcott’s original novel.”

Finding the perfect ‘little women’ to play her leading ladies was surprisingly straightforward. “I was completely blessed with the talent that turned up to the auditions. Everyone is perfectly cast and I couldn’t be happier. This is a huge show, so getting the actors that could handle the complexities of the story was imperative.”

And what a huge show this is. “This is the biggest show I have ever produced” chipped in Jane’s husband, Jim. His company, Thompson Promotions, has previously only staged smaller shows at the theatre. “This show is bigger in every aspect; bigger cast, bigger set and bigger expectations. Jane has put her heart and soul into this show and has inspired everyone involved to do the same.”

To those unfamiliar with the story, ‘Little Women’ follows the lives of the March sisters, living in 1860’s Massachusetts, at the time of American Civil War. We follow the four sisters; Meg (Nyah Henderson), Jo (Lucy-Jo Gladstone), Beth (Rosalea Hall) and Amy (Jess Keilty) as they grow from childhood to womanhood with all the highs and lows life brings.  This adaption emphasises the importance of family, self-reliance, and the pursuit of personal growth, whilst staying true to Alcott’s classic.

Getting tickets could be tricky though as there are only a handful left across the 5 performances. “We have been blown away at how fast the tickets have sold” said Jim, with the Friday and Saturday Matinee shows sold out. “It goes to prove the enduring love for this story is as strong as it’s ever been.”

Little Women runs from Wednesday 12^th to Saturday 15^th November at The Victoria Hall Theatre, Old Harlow. Tickets are available at www.ticketsource.co.uk/thompson-promotions and the show has been sponsored by Boyletts Law & JEMS Bookkeeping and Accountancy www.boylettslaw.co.uk www.jemsaccountancy.com