Little Women

BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation

By: Louisa May Alcott

Narrated by: Bryony Hannah, full cast, John Bowler, Julianna Jennings, Natasha J Barnes, Samantha Dakin, Tara Ward

Length: 2 hrs and 18 mins

Publisher's Summary

A BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation of the evergreen classic novel by Louisa May Alcott. 

With their father away fighting in the American Civil War, the four March girls are facing a lean Christmas with their mother. But the sisters’ close bond and determination to make the best of things enables them to find happiness despite their poverty.

As the years go by we follow their fortunes as they journey into womanhood. Meg the beauty, Jo the tomboy, shy Beth and precocious Amy will encounter adventure, hardship, joys and disappointments, and learn to meet the challenges of life as they become independent and make their way in the world. While marriage and motherhood may beckon for the sisters, their most enduring love is always for each other. 

First published in 1868 and never out of print since, this iconic coming-of-age tale is a perennial favourite that has touched the hearts of generations of fans. This moving BBC Radio 4 dramatisation stars Natasha J Barnes, Julianna Jennings, Bryony Hannah and Samantha Dakin as Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy, with Tara Ward as Mrs March and Alex Lanipekun as Laurie.

Public Domain (P)2017 BBC Worldwide Ltd

My children loved this classic on audio!

I purchased this audio book for my children, so that they could all listen to the classic. They loved it! They said that the dramatic reading really made the story come alive for them.

Listened in one sitting snuggled in bed

I listened to it all in one sitting! it was better than watching a movie!!

Little Women, Sadly distorted

I was so disappointed in this book. Its really the first audio book that has let me down. I was interested in what I thought would be a dramatization of a reading of the original book, but instead was disappointed by a sorry distortion of the story that was so significantly changed as to be more of a summary of the book than a reading.

Splendid!

Radio theatre presentation far outshines a simple audio book presentation. Instead of one voice, the book comes alive with laughter, tears, and cheerful yet flawed characters who who change as they grow into adulthood.

fiction

different voice from each character which I liked. the story is good but different than I expected.

3rd time💚💚💚💚💚💚💚

This is my 3rd time listening. Very well put together. Flows smoothly. I'll listen again!💞💞💞

This is only 10 chapters

This is Not the whole book, I need to buy the rest! Fun to listen to.

loved the book

hats off to BBC for a fantastic audio edition. however im only going 4 stars beacuse the story just looses a bit when stuck into 2 hours. overall it's highly worth it just know your missing quite a bit of the little screens that make the book wonderful.

Very Enjoyable

Excellent adaptation of the beloved classic. Some slight changes were made to the story, but all in all it didn't detract from my enjoyment of listening to a beautiful performance. I find BBC dramas to be very satisfying, whether they are television or radio performances, this was no exception.

I want a refund after this.

Most of the voice actors were truely terrible. Only the narrator was worth listening to.

Excellent short version

I just wish Radio 4 had made a bit more of it. What there is is very well done, proper voice acting not just reading a script.

Little Women

I loved listening to this book, as it was such a brilliant story as well as a heartfelt book that will remain with me forever. All of the characters had lovely voices, and it is all acted out instead of read! Brilliant!

Magnificent

Superb adaptation for radio and excellent production. Instantly transported to a different time and place. 10/10

Wonderful

Forgot just how wonderful this book was. Beautifully charactericterised. Well acted. Really enjoyed listening.

Good quick listen!

bit hard to tell who is who some times but I enjoyed it all the same!

An Unforgettable Classic

A beautiful story of a simple family living a life full of coming of age experiences. Gentle and moving as the sisters grow and leave home. Good quality adaptation with an interesting device of first person accounts.

Great adaptation

Having read this over 50 years ago I was pleased to remember it as it should be.. great adaptation.