The heartwarming backstory behind Ballina Players’ new Anne of Green Gables musical

GROWING up in Canada’s Maritime provinces, the home of Anne of Green Gables, Jacquie McCalman has been enchanted by the story of the red-haired orphan for as long as she can remember.

So producing the musical for Ballina Players is nothing short of a dream come true.

“I have applied for the rights for almost a decade, so finally being able to bring this beautiful story to life on the Ballina stage is incredibly special,” she said.

“I was born and raised in Saint John, New Brunswick, on Canada’s east coast. My family spent many holidays in Prince Edward Island, visiting the real places that appear in Anne of Green Gables. I also studied at university in Halifax, Nova Scotia – another place referenced in the story.

“My mother read the book to me before I could even read myself, and I still have my dog-eared copy on my bookshelf. I first saw the stage version when I was very young, and over the years I’ve seen many productions when visiting Prince Edward Island.

“There’s an entire tourism industry built around it – Green Gables, Avonlea and all the places in the story are real locations connected to (author) Lucy Maud Montgomery’s life.”

The show features 43 cast members, including several families performing together.

McCalman said one of the most exciting aspects of the production is how many new performers it has brought to the theatre, working alongside experienced players.

Anne Shirley is played by newcomer 15-year-old Sophie Scott, Gilbert Blythe by 16-year-old Luke Corbett in his first adult production, and Diana Barry by 13-year-old Anouk Hockings, also in her first Ballina Players production.

Marilla is played by Suzanne Roberts, and Matthew by Darren Muller.

McCalman also designed the costumes, with Leanne Harrold serving as wardrobe manager – no small task with over 150 costumes to track.

“We are supported by a wonderful team of volunteer seamstresses, as well as contributions from cast members themselves,” she said. “We’ve combined pieces from the Ballina Players wardrobe with new garments made especially for this production, all carefully styled to reflect the 1870s.”

A retired nurse, McCalman has performed in many Ballina Players musicals and began directing in 2018 with The Little Mermaid. She said the show is a wholesome, family-friendly adaptation of a much-loved classic that is passed down from generation to generation.

“It’s a timeless story of growing up, belonging, imagination and finding your place in the world – themes that never age,” she said. “It reflects community, kindness and resilience, and reminds us of a simpler time. It’s comforting, uplifting and relatable.”

For more information and tickets, visit ballinaplayers.com.au