London Children’s Ballet, Anne of Green Gables

Last Updated on July 3, 2026

Budding Ballet Dancers Charm and Delight

5.0 out of 5.0 stars

Picture this: a hard-boiled critic, who has seen a lot of dance and over many years has been privileged to marvel at the talent of some of the greatest dancers in the world, sits in a darkened theatre with a goofy smile of sheer pleasure on her face.  She is completely absorbed in the story that develops before her eyes, notebook opened on her lap but untouched, lest her attention be taken away from the stage for even a minute.  She is enjoying herself enormously.

She is watching the first night of London Children’s Ballet production of Anne of Green Gables, this year’s offering by one of the most remarkable companies around.  And if the mention of ‘children’ suggests end-of-year school show targeted at doting parents and indulgent friends, forget it – this show at the Peacock Theatre is a thoroughly professional affair on a par with anything the West End has to offer.

All 54 dancers on stage were aged nine to 16, all at differing levels of their ballet training, all picked at audition from literally hundreds of hopefuls to be this year’s cohort of London Children’s Ballet and work through weekends and intensive half-term sessions towards a summer show, a process that has been going on since the company was formed in 1994.  

It’s an opportunity all grab with both hands, making for a performance that blends total commitment with obvious enjoyment and an awful lot of talent, and where many of the cast play a variety of roles with equal élan.

The ballet Anne of Green Gables is based on the eponymous novel by the Canadian author Lucy Maud Montgomery, a staple of childhood reading for successive generations.  It tells the story of Anne, an orphan sent to help on the farm run by two middle-aged siblings, Matthew and Marilla.   Feisty, resourceful, mischievous and touchingly vulnerable, at first Anne is shunned by the small Avonlea community, but after various adventures, she is accepted and loved.

Originally choreographed in 2022 by Jenna Lee, company co-director and highly experienced dance-maker, Anne of Green Gables was tweaked and spruced up for this revival and looks box fresh.    Gus Nicholson’s specially commissioned score is played live (hurrah!) under Philip Hesketh’s sympathetic baton; Elin Steele’s multi-purpose set, sensitively lit by Mark Jonathan, adapts easily to a bustling train station, a gossipy town square, a school classroom, and an intimate family home.

All this frames dancing of great quality.  Jenna Lee’s choreography is intelligently crafted to meet the abilities of her cast without appearing simple or basic; the dancers impeccably marshalled into glorious ensembles.  The extensive use of mime and individual expression adds an extra dimension – those kids really are telling their story and relish doing so.  In the opening scene at the train station, it was fascinating to note that even while one couple was performing centre stage, the rest of the cast remained entirely in character, going about their lively business in their own groups.

Anne was danced by 15-year-old Amelie French, a truly delightful and immensely talented young dancer, with a lovely arabesque line and huge ability to convey the mercurial moods of her character.

Dancing the role of her best friend, Diana, was Berte Lesmes, 12, she, too, a natural, engaging dance actor; and the obvious connection between the two girls made their characters’ deep friendship totally believable and very endearing.

John Holden, 17, was invited back as a guest artist this year, having appeared in the ballet’s original outing, to take on the role of Matthew, his movement effortlessly conveying a gentle, affectionate, middle-aged character, easily won over by Anne, and whose accomplished partnering included a demanding one-arm lift.

Little Folashade Marah, 10, was a charming Bluebird, a character made up by Lee to symbolise hope and enliven the front-of-curtain action that hides the various scene changes; and Gilby Morell, 15, already looking very much the male dancer, owned the new role of Guardian Angel, created on him for this revival.

And so this hard-boiled critic found herself totally won over and, even with all critical faculties in place (needs must), couldn’t find anything at all that would eat away at a perfect five-star rating.  Do yourself a favour: go!

London Children’s Ballet, Anne of Green Gables is at the Peacock Theatre 3 – 5 July. Friday at 7 pm, Sat & Sun at 12.30 and 4.00 pm

Peacock Theatre
Portugal Street
London WC2A 2HT

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