Written by Charis for Theatre and Tonic

Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review. All views are our own

Little Wars is a powerful play, set in the French Alps on June 17th, 1940, the day France fell to the Nazis. Writer Steven Carl McCasland created the play based around a gathering of writers: Gertrude Stein, Lillian Hellman, Agatha Christie and Dorothy Parker who hold different approaches in writing and life. Although they are different in a variety of ways, they are connected by their gender. Apart from Agatha Christie, they are all also Jewish. This makes for dangerous times for the individuals.

There is deep rivalry between the writers and the first half of the play involves clashing egos and spiteful exchanges. As the play goes on, this is slowly replaced by the unravelling of the women’s stories, brought on by the radio announcement that Marshal Philippe Pétain had surrendered to the Nazi’s.

The set, designed by Colin Judges, is perfect for the performance, with the use of dark wood within the space really bringing the salon of Gertude Stein to life, making it easy for the audience to feel part of the room.

Costumes designed by Stewart Snape and Rose Snape capture the era and personalities of each woman incredibly well and are a significant aspect in assisting the audience to access the era, making it clear that research was carried out for each character.

The performance is slow to start with, and the actors came across as needing time to settle into their perspective roles. However, by the end of the performance, they have stepped up to the task and handled heavy, real themes incredibly well.

Bernedette is the only woman within the piece who does not actually exist. However, she serves as the anchor within Little Wars to what was happening to the Jewish population within WW2 and breaks the bubble of the socialite circle of writers who do not wish to think about the war. Anne-Marie Morgan stepped up to the real and heavy themes to provide an emotional and compelling performance. Her pain and experiences could be felt by every member of the audience.

Shelly Smith gave a strong performance as Gertude Stein, who had connection and chemistry with many of her fellow actors. With Fi Cotton as Alice B. Toklas, the relationship between the pair was explored well, showcasing the real struggles of lesbians within the 20th century. Smith and Cotton also showed such depth, love and care when it came to Morgan’s Bernedette. Finally, alongside Katie Merriman’s Lillian Hellman we saw a fiery, bitter friendship/enemy relationship.

Amy Findlay also dealt with some heavy emotional themes within her role of Dorothy Parker. Findlay handled it with such depth, emotion and maturity. Another performance that could be felt within the emotions of the audience.

Vicky Youster as Muriel Gardiner/Mary served as a link to humanity, showcasing that many women and men were prepared to put themselves in harms way to save others during the war. She also serves as a link to the world outside of the literary, socialite circles. Youster handled the role well, providing depth and understanding to the role.

Lastly, Angela Daniels as Agatha Cristie showed the average viewpoint during the war - not wanting to discuss war and associated themes, but not being able to ignore it. Daniels served as a questioning anchor within the piece that causes the secrets and dark hidden information to begin to spill out. She handles the role well and provides a calm, inquisitive Agatha Christie.

Many of the viewpoints and discussions within Little Wars are still relevant in today’s modern society. Even though it is not an easy watch, it is enjoyable. The Crescent Theatre have handled staging Little Wars incredibly well overall.

Little Wars plays at the Crescent Theatre until 23rd May.

★★★★★

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