AS temperatures fall Bench Theatre's production of Anne of Green Gables could be just the Winter warmer we need next week!

Marilla Cuthbert and her brother Matthew have sent away for an orphan boy to help them work at Green Gables farm. Instead, they are sent red-haired chatterbox Anne Shirley for whom chaos seems to follow in her wake. Join Anne and all your favourite characters in this classic tale of laughter, tears and love which runs from Thursday November 17- Saturday November 19 and Wednesday November 23 to Saturday November 26.

Written by Lucy Maud Montgomery and adapted by Emma Reeves, who also authored the adaptation of the tremendously popular 2013 Bench production of Little Women, this show is a treat for all the family.

Director Mark Wakeman explained what drew him to the play: “Following on from our successful production of Little Women we searched for other literary adaptations and my attention was drawn to this particular version of Green Gables as it was adapted by the same writer, Emma Reeves. It completely captures the spirit of the book which is important as it’s a cherished part of a lot of people’s childhoods. Bringing all the fun, laughter and tears of this classic heart-warming story to life in an exciting way that we can’t wait to share with everyone.”

The title role of Anne is played by Tasmin Halford, who was delighted to land the part: “Whether the audience are meeting the characters for the first time, or are lucky enough to have met them whilst reading the classic story, we are delighted to have the opportunity to bring these wonderful, vibrant roles to life. Anne Shirley has been a great fun character for me to explore. She has an infectious zest for life; despite her difficult beginning, a fiery temper and the way her outbursts alternate between a sweet naivety, or leaving her sounding much older than her twelve years, means she is unintentionally funny…even when she is trying to sound cross! The play is a perfect mixture, it has characters you can’t help but fall in love with. It has heart-warming moments, heart-wrenching moments and some very funny moments! As a cast a lot of laughter, warmth and joy has been experienced throughout the rehearsal process, which will hopefully show through the production and leave our audiences feeling the same!”

The timeless tale of a spirited orphan girl adopted by mistake is full of fun, laughter, adventure and joy, and guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

Tickets from (023) 9247 2700 or thespring.co.uk

On Thursday 17 November - Special Offer: two tickets for the price of one.