Annex Director Vanessa Caswill Directs Emotional Little Women Series for BBC

In the new adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s much-loved 1868 novel, the story, beautifully shot by Annex director Vanessa Caswill, shows how the girls navigate what it means to be young women and the story touches on issues ranging from gender roles to sibling rivalry, first love, loss and marriage.

In a statement about the new series, the BBC said: “In the hands of the exciting directorial style of filmmaker Vanessa Caswill, we hope to deliver a new screen version that will speak to contemporary audiences, meet the expectations of the book’s ardent fans and bring a whole new generation to this great classic.”

Heidi Thomas (Call the Midwife) wrote the adaptation. Little Women promised to deliver, and did not fail. There was also a strong cast of well-loved actors, with new rising stars. Emily Watson (as Marmee), Angela Lansbury (as Aunt March) and Michael Gambon (as Mr Lawrence) are actors that are household names. Maya Hawke, Willa Fitzgerald, Katheryn Newton and Annes Elwy played the March sisters. Caswill directed all cast beautifully and the result is an emotional watch.

The three-part series of Little Women aired on Boxing day 2017 and is available on BBC IPlayer.