Anne of Green Gables

How would you feel if you ordered something from the mainland and what was delivered to your island home was something quite different? That’s the predicament established from the outset here: the ageing Cuthberts ordered a boy from the orphanage to help on their farm but Anne was sent to them. 

This was nostalgia and great entertainment: nostalgia because so many in the audience recognised favourite actors from back in the 60s, 70s and 80s; and entertainment because the story has heart and hope. Anne (with an e) overcomes her poor start in life to become a local success. This is great family theatre.

Top marks to the director, Jill Cross, for her shrewd casting and careful direction. Olivia Woods (Anne) heads this cast like a modern Boadicea, intelligent, confident, frank and feisty. Her development from adolescence to young womanhood is beautiful to watch. In close supporting roles were Villanova stalwarts Michael Byrnes (Matthew Cuthbert, who becomes Anne’s ‘Dutch uncle’), Maria Plumb (Marilla, Matthew’s sister whose formidable exterior Anne melts within her first week at their farm), Glynne Liddy (Marilla’s best friend, Rachel Linde), and Pat Wockner (Aunt Josephine and Mrs Allen). All four must have been excellent role models for the kids in the cast, who reflected professional standards in their performances.

Everyone in this cast deserves their kudos too – together they build an entire community. Praise also to the numerous crew. This play is a great challenge for any theatre. Villanova Players aced it! 

Jay McKee