IT is interesting to note that Louisa May Alcott once dismissed this sort of work as moral pap for the young, but her famous story remains hard to resist, even today, and the audience’s enjoyment of this show was unmistakable.

The whole cast performed extremely well and were ably supported by a nicely detailed set, sumptuous costumes and even some rather pleasant piano music between the scenes. Mrs March (Maria Head) gives her four daughters plenty of uplifting lectures and some bite is added to the general sweetness by Angharad Price’s pettish Amy and Ros Liddiard’s formidable Aunt March.

There are also occasional aggressive outbursts from tomboy Jo, played by Ruth Kibble with lanky humour and great emotional range. Hazel Burrows, as the family’s maid, is also noteworthy, for a seamless performance that earns laughs for the most unlikely lines.

Little Women, Maskers Theatre Company, The Nuffield Ham Quentin