Preview: Anne Of Green Gables, Joseph Rowntree Theatre, York, March 29 to 31

12:17pm Friday 23rd March 2007

FLYING Ducks Youth Theatre performs Lucy Montgomery's cherished classic Anne Of Green Gables at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre, York, from Thursday to Saturday.

Set in the 1900s, this Canadian story relates the antics of orphan girl Anne Shirley, played by Amy Hargreaves, in the company of farmer Matthew Cuthbert (Rob Joyce) and his sister Marilla (Bethany Sissons).

When Matthew finds work hard on the farm, he agrees to Marilla's suggestion that they should adopt an orphan boy to help out. To their surprise, a girl arrives, and after the initial reaction to send her back, they decide to let her stay. The wildly independent red-haired girl quickly turns the entire community upside down with her indomitable spirit and scope for imagination.

Fighting against all odds, Anne uses her dramatic outbursts and infectious charm to win the hearts of Matthew and Marilla, her classmates and the townsfolk.

This traditional family story, full of comedy and song, will be presented in its York musical premiere by Flying Ducks director Stephen Outhwaite.

Performances start at 7.30pm, plus a matinee next Saturday at 2.30pm. Tickets cost £5 to £7, available from Michael Whyte on 01904 768963 or York Theatre Royal, 01904 623568.