5 Reasons to book Anne of Green Gables Ballet

Ballet for all the family

Now in its 27^th year the London Children's Ballet - who stage one major ballet per year - present for 2022 Anne of Green Gables. This brand new narrative ballet of the much loved Canadian story written in 1908 by Lucy Maud Montgomery tells the story of a lively, imaginative 11 year old orphan who lives on Canada's Prince Edward Island. Written for all ages, it has been considered a classic children's novel since the mid-20th century and recounts the adventures of Anne Shirley and how she makes her way through life with her adoptive 'parents', in school, and within the town.

Since its publication, Anne of Green Gables has been translated into at least 36 languages and has sold more than 50 million copies, making it one of the best selling books worldwide. Adapted as films, television films, and animated and live-action television series, including the most recent Anne with an E on Netflix. And, now a beautiful ballet aimed at children...

Here is 5 reasons we think this is a show not to miss...

1. Proving kindness always wins in the end!

Anne of Green Gables is one of Canada's most delightful children's stories of a lively, imaginative 11 year old orphan who lives in the fictional town of Avonlea on Prince Edward Island, Canada. Set in the late 19th century, Anne is sent by mistake to elderly brother and sister, Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert, who had originally intended to adopt a boy to help them on their farm. Anne gets herself into endless scrapes and is enormously unpopular but eventually wins over the community with her endearing, fearless character and passionate nature.

2. Offers hope to those who seek the stage!

One of London Children's Ballet current 51 dancers, Alice Osborne has shown true resilience. She has auditioned every year for the past five years before finally getting into LCB. Chosen from over 600 auditionees all aged between 9-16yrs, Alice is a perfect example of 'if at first you don't succeed, try and try again......'. Pure Anne with an E spirit.

3. LCB's ballets have garnered many accolades from celebrity fans...

Case in point. Actress and Director Emma Thompson said ‘I still haven’t recovered from my breathless admiration of that magnificent production…it was nothing short of awesome…a firework display of talent and promise, bursting with more life and energy than most London stages ever produce.’

While TV Presenter Vanessa Feltz added: 'A magical evening of enchantment, humour, nostalgia and charm! 3 generations of our family were enraptured' plus the comedian Harry Enfield ‘London Children’s Ballet is my favourite outing in London. The kids come away with giga-grins!’

4. Watch a star being born..

Over 11K children from over 250 ballet schools have auditioned for LCB over the years. Then 50 highly talented young dancers aged 9-14 (boys 9-16) join the company, through annual competitive auditions of over 600 applicants. We especially love that the LCB dancers come from every economic, social and ethnic background, united by their passion for ballet; selecting children who are technically gifted and that special appeal that makes a dancer beautiful to watch regardless of whether or not they have a perfect ballet body. One LCB alumni dancer includes Anna Rose O'Sullivan, who danced the lead role in 2004's production of A Little Princess aged only 9 yrs old and is now a Principal ballerina at The Royal Ballet.

5. The perfect way to introduce ballet to young children

What could be more inspiring to children from all backgrounds, than watching a live ballet full of young dancers who may look like you? This can introduce children to a the world of ballet and dance - and potentially a lifelong love of the arts. When it a much loved story such as Anne of Green Gables it makes its easier to understand and follow. This full length story ballet, in full costume accompanied by a live orchestra means it isn't watered down for children. But, equally the running time isn't too long that they are twisting in their seats - plus, it great for all members of the family including grandparents.

HOW TO BOOK

The London Children's Ballet Anne of Green Gables at The Peacock Theatre, London WC2 runs from Thursday 26 - Sunday 29 May 2022. Ticket prices from £15 - £55

Premiere performance will take place at 7 pm on Thursday 26 May >> BOOK HERE

Further performances run from: Friday 27 May at 6.30 pm; Saturday 28 May at 1.30 pm and 5.30 pm and Sunday 29 May at 12.30 pm and 4.30 pm >> BOOK HERE

>> We love this edition of Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery (Puffin in Bloom) from £9 Amazon

London Children's Ballet is a performance company that inspires the pursuit of excellence and changes lives through dance. A leader in creating original narrative work and introducing new audiences to ballet, the LCB creates a new West End ballet each year performed by talented dancers aged 9-16. Outreach work takes ballet into schools, care homes and special needs centres in and around London.

Founded by Lucille Briance in 1994 LCB is a charity that aims to inspire children from all backgrounds through dance, planting the seed of a long lasting passion that will enrich their lives.