IT was obvious that Little Women was a passionate and personal project for Thompson Productions.

Director Jane Thompson explains a lot in the programme. They all had invested (emotionally) a great deal.

What we got was a wonderfully acted, deeply emotional telling of the Louisa May Alcott classic.

If there was ever a set that used every inch, nook and cranny of a stage then this was it. From an upstairs bedroom to a revolving room. It was very clever indeed.

The standout performance in this play was Lucy-Jo Gladstone’s Jo. We saw her two years ago in The Railway Children as Bobbie but her portrayal of Jo March was outstanding. She commanded the stage with such passion and confidence.

There was so much to her acting, every gesture, every motion. There was something about her when she moved to the front of the stage. She was so impressive. Young Lucy-Jo is definitely a talented to watch.

By contrast, Rosalea Hall had the most challenging role as Beth. This required a quietness, a stillness and humility that can go unrecognised. Not here: it was a master class in an understated performance.

Whilst Jess Keilty as Amy was required to perform three Amy’s as her character, more than anyone ,had to transform from the youngest of the four to a confident woman. Again that was quite a feat which Jess did exquisitely.

And Nyah Henderson, the Madam Bovary of the four, showed all her acting qualities as her character transformed into a caring and protective wife and mother.

They were supported by nine other actors, nine older performers, whose strengths ensured the play was a great success.

Each actors character was so firmly carved out. Perhaps special mention of Vanessa Wood as Aunt March. She was quite a fearsome presence, greatly assisted by some very scary mid-nineteenth century Great Aunt outfits. Hats off or perhaps bonnets off to Costume Designer Jess Ricketts and her team.

We are no strangers to Thompson Productions and we are always impressed by their use of light. The background illustrating the change of season was so important. Well done to Mike and Thomas Penketh.

This production evoked many emotions. The key themes of growth, understanding and sacrifice were very well illustrated. We have to say that the passing of Beth was one of the most emotional scenes we have seen at Victoria Hall. Special mention at this moment to Jo Gladstone.

If there was one quibble it was the length. It began at 7.30pm and we were out at 10.40. Yes, there is a lot to get through but we could feel the audience struggling past 10pm.

Moving on, we appreciate the level of professionalism, the level of detail and the overall commitment to the world of theatre given by Thompson Productions.

The show received a rapturous round of applause at the end. We have a feeling there may have been school friends in the audience! They were clearly very proud of their colleagues.

A bravura production and performance and maybe just maybe a star for the future…..

The show runs until Saturday. It is sold out but that is testament to the standards at Victoria Hall Theatre.

Excellent: Five Stars