There is a new movement in readheaded theatre being launched in a fiery blaze by South Staffordshire based actress/writer/composer Collene Louisa Webb who brings the classic Anne of Green Gables to life on stage in the West Midlands in a new stage adaptation touring to Wolverhampton and Bridgnorth spring 2016.
Anne of Green Gables – a new play with music by local playwright/composer, Collene Louisa Webb, and adapted from L.M. Montgomery’s best-selling 1908 novel is a co production between Redhead Reach and Found Theatre. The production is directed by Simon Corble (co-creator of The 39 Steps hit stage show) with a cast of five professional actors performing thirteen characters.
WHAT’S IT ABOUT?
The classic coming of age novel tells the story of redheaded orphan, Anne Shirley, who is sent to Green Gables by mistake. Marilla and her brother Matthew Cuthbert had intended to adopt a boy to help on the farm, so when a spirited girl arrives they don’t know what to think. But soon the Cuthberts and the village community of Avonlea, Prince Edward Island grow fond of Anne despite her constant chatter, mishaps and fiery temper. Life will never be the same again…
Despite the Anne of Green Gables novel selling over fifty million copies worldwide, stage versions are rare in the UK.
ABOUT REDHEAD REACH
Redhead Reach is a new creative movement founded by South Staffordshire-based redhead, Collene Webb (who also stars as Anne).
Her mission is to raise the profile of redheads on stage and screen. Anne of Green Gables is the first production and seeks to be the most authentic adaptation anyone is likely to see.
Collene has travelled to Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia in Canada where ‘the Anne novels’ are set. Her new play aims to capture the magic of those places for British audiences. It also features traditional Canadian music and original folk songs composed by Collene, set to L.M.Montgomery’s poems.
WHERE IS IT ON?
Anne of Green Gables is touring to Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolverhampton 15th-16th April and Theatre on the Steps, Bridgnorth 28th, 30th April and 1st May.
POST SHOW TALKS AND WORKSHOPS
Selected evening performances offer free post-show talk, Carrots! on the theme of red hair and identity (open to everyone). Matinee performances offer free post-show creative writing workshop, Story Club, for young people aged 7-11 (maximum of 20 per workshop).
DATES, VENUE & ALL THAT STUFF
15th-16th April – Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolverhampton: www.newhamptonarts.co.uk / 01902-572090
28th, 30th April and 1st May – Theatre on the Steps, Bridgnorth: www.theatreonthesteps.co.uk / 01746-766477
MORE
You can also find out more about Redhead Reach at their website, or connect with them through their Facebook page, or follow on Twitter @redheadreach
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