Anne & Gilbert, The Musical

Anne & Gilbert, The Musical returns for its 22nd season this spring with a milestone debut: Island performer Holly Perry will take on the role of Anne Shirley for the first time, wearing the original Anne dress created for the musical’s first season in 2005.

The 26-year-old Acadian performer from Prince County has been part of the cast since 2022, but 2026 marks her first season in the title role. The historic costume she will wear was designed for the show’s premiere at the Victoria Playhouse in Victoria-by-the-Sea, PEI, more than two decades ago, and hasn’t been worn since.

The original costume reflects the character’s Island roots: simple, practical and earth-toned, with shades of green reminiscent of PEI fields and rust-coloured trim echoing the province’s soil. While inspired by late-19th-century fashion, the dress was designed for movement and performance rather than strict historical rigidity. This is, of course, much like Anne herself, who refuses to be constrained by convention.

Though Anne & Gilbert is often promoted as the love story between Anne and her childhood rival, the heart of the musical is Anne’s own journey—her determination, imagination and refusal to be diminished.

Featuring a 20-member cast and orchestra, Anne & Gilbert, The Musical runs from May 5 to October 26 at the Florence Simmons Performance Hall in Charlottetown. 

Tickets are available online via anneandgilbert.com