
“What is it to look back on a life?” asks Anne in the opening line of THIS IS ANNE ~ Older & Wiser ~. Anne Shirley Blythe now in her 60s, delves into her journals and letters to reminisce and reflect on her past – the very difficult moments and those of great joy.
Created, compiled and performed by Maja Bannerman with accompanying music by Rusty McCarthy, this 50 minute performance includes many of the beloved moments from Anne of Green Gables and the subsequent novels in the series by Lucy Maud Montgomery.
Experience the poignant narrative of Maja Bannerman’s play, ‘THIS IS ANNE ~ Older & Wiser ~,’ a heartfelt exploration based on LM Montgomery’s iconic Anne Of Green Gables book series. Transport yourself to a touching moment near the play’s conclusion, where Anne receives the devastating news of her son Walter’s demise in the midst of World War I, conveyed through a heartfelt letter from his commander on the allied front in France.
In collaboration with a talented ensemble, including Rusty McCarthy (Guitar/Vocals) Doug Wilde (Orchestration), Michael White (Trumpet), Beth Bartley (Violin), and Mark Clifford (Bodhran), we’ve brought to life the evocative score of the production. The soul-stirring composition, ‘There is A Ship,’ penned by Maja Bannerman and composed by Rusty McCarthy, not only captures the essence of the play but also showcases the emotional journey of loved ones returning to Prince Edward Island, finding their final resting place beneath a weeping Willow tree.
Originally performed live on classical guitar, this recording preserves the authenticity of the live experience while introducing a new dimension to the music. Join us in commemorating Remembrance Day as we share this poignant lament with you, a visual and auditory tribute to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of loss.
Immerse yourself in the world of ‘THIS IS ANNE ~ Older & Wiser ~,’ where every note and lyric resonate with the universal themes of love, loss, and the enduring power of memory. The Older and Wiser team invites you to witness and reflect on the profound journey encapsulated in ‘There is A Ship,’ a musical testament to the enduring legacy of those who have sacrificed for love and country.
Dive into the heart of Anne’s captivating journey with our newly released CD, “THIS IS ANNE ~ The Music.” Immerse yourself in the enchanting melodies that accompany Anne’s introspective exploration, as she delves into her journals and letters. Priced at just $15, this musical compilation beautifully captures the essence of Anne’s life, recounting both the challenging moments and those filled with boundless joy.
Now, you can bring the soul-stirring soundtrack of “THIS IS ANNE ~ The Music” into your own space. Purchase the CD today and let the enchanting tunes transport you to the world of Anne’s reminiscences. Don’t miss the opportunity to own this musical masterpiece that mirrors the profound emotions woven into the fabric of Anne’s past.
Order your copy now and experience the magic of Anne’s narrative through the power of music!

| December 2, 2023 | Private Performance | Chippawa, ON |
| September 17, 2023 | Toronto Tollkeeper’s Cottage Museum | Toronto, ON |
| September 14, 2023 | Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum | Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON |
| August 25, 2023 | Shirleys Place | Lockeport, PE |
| August 20, 2023 | The Manse | Marshfield, PE |
| August 19, 2023 | The Manse | Marshfield, PE |
| August 18, 2023 | The Manse | Marshfield, PE |
| August 17, 2023 | The Manse | Marshfield, PE |

“I attended this not knowing what to expect, but it was far and beyond anything I could have anticipated. Powerful doesn’t begin to describe your performance. The musical accompaniment was wonderful and perfect. I am so thankful I came…Wonderful, Wonderful, Wonderful” – Kerri
“Very powerful and touching. Especially second half with emotions surrounding the war and loss. Was beautiful and sad and thoughtful.” – Danny
“Imagine an older Anne reminiscing about her life. Using L. M. Montgomery’s words from the Anne books, Maja Bannerman has created a heartwarming monologue performance in THIS IS ANNE ~ Older and Wiser. With humour, warmth, and deep feeling, Maja, as Anne, recollects highlights from Anne’s life, the funny childhood incidents from the Green Gable days, her see-saw romance with Gilbert, the happiness of her marriage, and the sorrow of losing her son in World War I. Soft background music enhances the mood of each time period. Maja’s interpretation of Anne is so empathetic that she IS Anne. At her performance for the Wainfleet Historical Society, members laughed and cried. Lifelong fans of Anne and people who had perhaps never read the books were equally moved by the stirring presentation. It truly was a five star show.” ~ Janet Hodgkins President, Wainfleet Historical Society
“Loved that it was true to the books. Very sentimental and lovely to watch.”
“Such a brilliant collaboration and Maja your story was uplifting, touching and gentle, as well as an accurate account and portrayal of what Anne’s life could have been as an adult. So grateful to have experienced this.” – Penny










All my life I’ve been enamoured with L.M. Montgomery’s Anne book series. Being a fading red-headed poet, with a theatrical background, I have been compelled to create a performance piece that recounts Anne’s life. I imagined an invitation to tea and sitting with Anne in her parlour one afternoon as she muses upon her life.
Part memoir, part reminiscences, Anne shares her stories. This presentation also features original live music on the Classical guitar by my beloved, composer, Rusty McCarthy. He sits on stage, just on the edge of my peripheral vision, suggesting the presence of both Matthew and Gilbert at various moments of the storytelling.
I have long been enthralled with Anne and, in particular situations, find myself asking, “What would Anne do?” And in challenging moments, Anne’s words have comforted and inspired me.


Raised in Ottawa and Sault Ste. Marie, Maja is a writer, singer, published writer and performing artist based in Niagara. She has received several art council grants and commissions to create plays, spoken word performances and songs. Since the 1980s, she has toured across Canada presenting original shows in a variety of venues and festivals. For 20 years Bannerman ran Parasol Lane Productions a company that specialized in historically- based performances featuring the Niagara region. She is currently working with her partner, producer and composer, Rusty McCarthy, and they have released their first album as a duo Rusty & Maja ~Part-Kitchen Party, Part Cabaret~; it’s a lively collection of original songs and a few popular favourites. Her first CD of original songs, Signs of Life, was released in 2017.
Email: majabannerman@gmail.com
Call: 905-933-3330
Facebook: THIS IS ANNE ~ Older & Wiser ~
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