The newly created South of France English Theatre (or SET as they like to be known) is bringing a bit of London's glittering West End to the Côte d'Azur much to the delight of theatre goers along the Riviera. This local company of professional actors, directors and musicians plan to work alongside famous guest artistes and stars from stage, screen and TV from the UK and around the world, to produce four or five quality shows each year.

For their first production, they've chosen Neil Simon's romantic comedy 'Barefoot in the Park', which explores the trials and tribulations of love and marriage - opening night is aptly the 14th of February, Valentine's night, at 7.30pm in Valbonne with an after show party to celebrate the launch. And they'll be there on the 15th too with curtain up at the later time of 8.30pm.

Guest-starring Jennifer Wilson and directed by her husband, Brian Peck - two nicer people you could not wish to meet. Brian jokes modestly: 'And getting older, it doesn't get any easier!'
Playing alongside Jennifer are actors John Fleming, Jennifer Oliver and Thomas Richardson. She says despite all her years of experience, it is still hard to remember lines, and that she is 'very impressed with our young actors who are so good.'

I know from the cast members that Brian is like a whirling dervish and full of energy. In fact the hard working duo has CVs as long as your arm (you name it, they've been in it!) and once the show has been taken to Cannes and Fréjus, they are rushing back to the UK for TV commitments.

And as far as getting those big names down here, well the South of France is a great lure explains Janine Fitzgerald who is playing Jennifer's understudy this time around and the lead in the next production - Deathtrap. 'There are companies in Vienna, Hamburg and Spain who have been doing this sort of thing for 25 years and that's what we are aiming for. This is the beginning of a very exciting project for the whole team,' she explained. 'And SET will be playing in Nice and Monaco too, dates to be confirmed.'

For more information about SET, please visit their website, where you will find details of how you can become a theatre club member which costs just €10, and allows you discounts and priority booking on all their productions throughout the year.

SET will be performing Barefoot in the Park in Valbonne on February 14th and 15th, with performances in Cannes on March 2nd, Fayence on March 8th and Cannes again on March 9th all starting at 8.30pm. Call Maggie on 04.92.28.12.40 or 06.17.74.50.40 to reserve tickets, which are priced at €20 (buy 5 get the 6th free) and €15 for students and theatre club members. Nearer the time we'll bring you details of the rest of the season - 'Deathtrap' and 'Noises Off' showing in April and September 2012.