Interview with Cillian Lenaghan on Role in Little Women

The Artiscape – Interview with Cillian Lenaghan on Role in Little Women

Ahead of the highly anticipated UK tour of Little Women – Anne-Marie Casey’s stage adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s beloved classic – we caught up with Cillian Lenaghan, who plays Laurie in this new production. With the tour set to begin in March, we discussed the role of Laurie, the challenges of portraying such an iconic character, and what audiences can expect from this exciting new interpretation of the timeless story.

Cillian, Laurie is such an iconic character, balancing charm and complexity. What drew you to the role, and how did you approach making him your own?

Laurie is definitely a character with layers—his charm, his complexity, and his inner torment are all aspects that drew me to him. I was interested in exploring both his playful side and the darker, self-destructive elements that add depth to his personality. There’s a real contrast in him, and I wanted to portray that mix of vulnerability and confidence, which is what makes him so intriguing.

In this adaptation, how does your portrayal of Laurie differ from previous interpretations of the character? What new nuances have you brought to him?

Laurie is often seen as this charming, mischievous figure, but I wanted to emphasize more of his comedic side, especially his teasing nature. At the same time, I’ve worked hard to show his inner struggles, which I think brings a little more depth to him than what audiences might be familiar with. He’s not just a pretty face; he’s a character dealing with significant internal conflict, and exploring that has been both exciting and rewarding.

There’s a lot of pressure with a beloved classic like Little Women. How did you balance staying true to the source material while also adding your personal touch to Laurie?

There’s definitely pressure, but it’s also an opportunity to pay homage to the book while also making the character my own. I’ve seen Greta Gerwig’s film adaptation, which I thought was incredible, but I’m not trying to replicate Timothy Chalamet’s portrayal. The script by Anne-Marie Casey has done a great job of preserving the essence of the story, and I’ve also turned to the book to find some small details to bring into my performance. The character’s essence is there, but I’ve focused on bringing some fresh nuances through my interpretation.

The themes of love, loss, and personal growth are central to Little Women. What aspects of Laurie’s journey resonated most with you?

Laurie’s journey really resonates with me because of his search for belonging. He’s an orphan and an only child, and I think he finds that sense of family and connection with the March sisters. Having grown up with three sisters and an older brother myself, I can relate to the energy of a big family and the special bonds that form. His relationship with Jo, in particular, is so significant – it’s a friendship that becomes unbreakable, and I think that’s a beautiful thing to explore.

What has been the most rewarding or challenging part of working on this adaptation, and what do you hope audiences take away from your portrayal of Laurie?

The most rewarding part is getting to explore Laurie again. I played him last year in Belfast at the Lyric Theatre, and now I get another chance to bring new energy to the role with a fresh cast and design team. It’s always exciting to see how each actor and creative contributes their own unique perspective. The biggest challenge, though, is finding new ways to keep Laurie’s character fresh and exciting, while still honoring what makes him so iconic. I hope that audiences can empathize with Laurie’s struggles, especially the tough decisions he makes in life – even when they’re not the “right” ones, there’s a lesson in learning from them and sticking by them.

What do you think audiences will enjoy about this production of Little Women?

I think audiences will really enjoy the musical elements in the production. The beautiful period design and the way we bring Christmas to life twice in one day will also be special moments for people. It’s a fresh take on a beloved classic, and I think it’ll resonate with both new audiences and fans of the original.

Cillian Lenaghan, who plays Laurie in this adaptation of Little Women, is no stranger to the stage. His theatre credits include A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Little Women, Blackout (The Lyric Theatre), The Steward of Christendom (Gate Theatre), Dubliners (Dublin Theatre Festival), and The Lieutenant of Inishmore (The Gaiety Theatre). He has also made his mark on television, with notable appearances in Small Town Big Story, The Women in the Wall, and The Spectacular.

The Little Women tour, directed by Emily Foran and starring Cillian Lenaghan as Laurie, will kick off at the Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, on March 19, 2025, before touring to 11 additional venues. The tour will conclude at the Theatre Royal Plymouth on June 21, 2025.

To book your tickets and experience this exciting new adaptation, visit here.