Jade Kennedy stars in Anne-Marie Casey’s new stage adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s beloved classic, Little Women, premiering at Belgrade Theatre, Coventry.
This timeless tale of sisterhood, courage, and ambition comes to life in a fresh and captivating production directed by Loveday Ingram.
The show features a stellar cast including Belinda Lang, Honeysuckle Weeks, and Jack Ashton, bringing the March sisters’ journey from adolescence to adulthood to the stage. Kennedy takes on the role of Meg, the eldest March sister, in this heartwarming story that continues to inspire audiences of all ages.
Little Women opens at Belgrade Theatre, Coventry on 19 March, before touring to various venues across the UK until 21 June.
You’re appearing in Little Women at Belgrade Theatre, Coventry and on tour. What can you tell us about the show?
This show has such a huge heart and I think that will really stay with the audiences. Prepare for laughter, beauty and perhaps a tear or two.
How does this adaptation of Little Women differ from previous versions?
In this adaptation, we really cut right to the centre of the story – following Jo – and journey with her through the ups and downs of being a woman and the fascinating ways her brain works. We see her struggle to reconcile her dreams with societal expectations, seeing her journey live on stage highlights how compelling and relatable this story is.
Can you tell us about your character, Meg, and how you’ve approached portraying her?
I hold Meg so close to my heart and feel so privileged to play her in this adaptation. She has a real classical outlook on life that I respect. In discovering her, I have learnt a lot about polite society and the pressure as the eldest daughter to get it all right. Something I don’t envy!
The story of Little Women has endured for over 150 years. Why do you think it still resonates with audiences today?
I think that Little Women still resonates so much with audiences today because there is a little piece of every type of person in the story. Well-rounded, beautifully flawed women navigating what makes their heart sing. You don’t get much more timeless than that.
How has the cast worked together to bring the March family dynamics to life on stage?
I feel really lucky to be working with a group of people like my sisters. In opening the box of March, everyone has been so brave and trusting. We’ve played games, we’ve asked questions and mostly we just love our characters so much.
What would you say to anyone thinking of booking to see Little Women?
I would definitely say go for it and bring the whole family, you’ll want to hug them afterwards!
