Interview with Jade Kennedy, Little Women UK Tour
Conducted by Emmie for Theatre & Tonic
A fresh stage adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s beloved novel Little Women is currently touring the UK through 8 November 2025. Adapted by Anne-Marie Casey, this enduring classic brings to life the journey of the March sisters—Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy—as they face the trials of the American Civil War, bound together by sisterhood, bravery, and dreams for the future. Playing the role of Meg is Jade Kennedy (Fun Home, Gate Theatre Dublin) chats with us about this exciting new production.
Prior to working on this show you have worked on Rebus: A Game Called Malice and Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World. How do you take those experiences and use them into your role on Little Women?
I find that touring has taught me a lot about adapting my performance and voice for the space which is a huge skill. But, also, both of those pieces relied heavily upon working together as an ensemble which I feel Little Women does as well. Knowing what person/moment to highlight, what story we are telling together as a group, how to use music to amplify the narrative; I learnt a lot about those skills on those projects so I'm very grateful.
Before working on this production, had you read the book or watched any film adaptations?
I had watched two of the film adaptations and read the book growing up. Coming back to the book from the perspective of Meg and learning to understand her was so helpful
You play the role of Meg. How have you connected with her personally and what aspects of her story have resonated with you the most?
As an older sister, I feel lucky enough to bring a lot of my own experience of having younger siblings to this role. I have two younger brothers that I care about very dearly and proudly helped to raise. On the flip side, there is a vanity to Meg that is definitely new to me alongside her envy and real longing to be like the other girls. Both of which I respect and have spent time diving in to quite happily
This is a new adaptation by Anne-Marie Casey, what can audiences expect?
I think audiences should expect humour, heart and pace. We really rattle through the lives of these gorgeous women in an explosively satisfying way.
The story is set in a specific historical context. How do you approach bringing authenticity to a 19th-century character while making her relatable to modern audiences?
Well, honestly, as a mixed-race actor I feel that even getting to chance to bring a character from this time period and, more specifically, during the Civil War to life is already an excitingly contemporary take. To further that, I've learned so much about polite society and what it means to be a lady of this time. The writing helps me so much because Meg remains sure, strong and gutsy while still being a gentle and ladylike person. I love that about her.
How have you developed the chemistry with the rest of the cast to portray the close sisterly bond that is so recognisable in Little Women?
What's magic about this project is that so much of that happened was really organically. We would spend our lunch breaks together and by day three or four we were realising just how well we get on. We each emulate tiny pieces of our character and look out for each other in a really sisterly way. I feel very lucky to share the stage with women who stick together the way we do.
What is it about this story which you feel makes it feel relevant to modern audiences?
It's a timeless experience to watch a family grow up. We all have seen some version of that in our own lives. We know loss and love, humour and pain. The March family really do mirror so much of present day while asking us questions about the types of people we want to be. It's a very special story.
What do you hope audiences take away from Meg’s story, especially her balance of ambition, love, and family?
I hope that people hold onto the concept that it's okay to change your mind. It's alright to adjust your life's purpose and ambition based on a new feeling. There is also not one right way to be a woman.
This production is going on tour, are there any venues you are looking forward to visiting in particular?
I'm very excited to see how different audiences react and relate to these characters. I was so happy to play Edinburgh and I'm also looking forward to Eastbourne and Richmond with those two being so close to home.
Finally, why should people book tickets to see Little Women?
People should book tickets in groups to share this tale together. To laugh, feel touched and then have a big hug afterwards.
Little Women is touring across the UK until November 2025.
