Anne of Green Gables

Studio2Stage Youth Productions teamed with Phoenix Theatre to bring the classic story Anne of Green Gables to the stage.

In this adaptation the play in narrated by the character of its author, Lucy Maude Montgomery. Nicely played, with convincing Canadian accent by Beth Tandy, she was placed on an island stage at a writing desk. This was an effective device, and the momentary interaction between the author and her most iconic character was a show highlight.

The role of Anne Shirley proved a fitting Perth swan song for actress Ebony Howard who moves shortly to a country town. Ebony handled the transition from awkward, outspoken, young girl, to poised young woman, with grace. Her talents will be missed.

Playing the ‘parental’ figures, siblings Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert were Kendra McGrady and Lachlan Felstead, nicely conveying maturity.

Anne and her friends were a picture perfect assembly, looking as if they had stepped off the book covers. Gabriella Munro made a lovely Diana Barry, Tim McClellan (Gilbert Blythe) had some of the young girls in the audience sighing, and Tashie Baker was likably dislikable as Josie Pye. Solid support from Kristen Vandenberg, Ruby Thoms, Blake Hughes and Evan Swallow. 

I particularly enjoyed Laura Foster’s brief appearance as cranky Aunt Josephine, Keira Butt’s bemused shop assistant and Felix Camponovo's series of small roles - all quite different.

Rounding out this ensemble cast were Lili Thoms (Mrs Lynde), Rebecca Winn (Mrs Spencer) and Tara Butt (Mrs Barry), all nicely playing well above their age.

I would have loved to see more of the cast attempt Canadian accents, and while Jodie Innes and Alex Coutts-Smth’s scene design was charming, the set changes were clunky, with the elderly ladies next to me giggling as the lounge setting was moved back and forth innumerable times. Pace at times could be more swift.

This was a lovely looking show. Lighting (Alex Coutts-Smith and Kate Lloyd) was thoughtful and effective and sound design (Mikaela Innes) was appropriate. The details looked good, with well-chosen set dressing and nicely selected costuming (Jodie Innes and Elaine Innes), and attention to detail with hair.

A pleasant feel-good telling of a lovely story, with the full-house audience leaving feeling warm and happy.

Kimberley Shaw

Photographer: Lincoln Tapping