There are definite traits of 'Tenko' in 'We'll Always Have Paris', with three Englishwomen of a 'certain age', away from their home environments, making lives for themselves and forming relationships in foreign climes, even if they only got there by Eurostar.

Nancy is a retired head teacher, after years of living and working within the of the confines education system; she has been in Paris for a year and has 'found herself' as she is loathed to say. She is liberated by the life she has made for herself in Paris. She is full of sparkle and life and feels rejuvenated by being in the city of 'love', even though she's not looking for love per se. I am delighted to say that returning to the GWT stage is the brilliant Suzanne Harris, who has just retired from being head of drama at a local school. I wonder where she will get motivation from to help find her character.

Nancy is funny, confident, liberated and free. Whereas, Anna, an old school friend of Nancy, who has been persuaded by Nancy to visit her in Paris after years of looking after her sick husband who has recently died, or snuffed it, or shuffled off the mortal coil, or kicked the bucket. Anna has been virtually a recluse in a large and sprawling house, acting as nurse maid and full time carer for her husband Raymond who has eaten virtually nothing but boiled fish for the last twenty years. Anna not wanting to seem unfair to her ailing husband has also eaten nothing but boiled fish for the last twenty years too, perhaps with the occasionally excitement of ... a lamb cutlet. Arriving in Paris Anna is mousey, shy and introverted and intends to stay just for the weekend, that's quite enough excitement for her thank you. She's persuaded to stay longer and we witness her transition as she falls in love with Paris. Anna is wonderfully portrayed by Lesley Robins an ex head teacher and education consultant who was last on stage playing a battle weary teacher in 'After September' last season.

The trio of ladies is completed by Raquel, who used to be known as Rachel until remodelling herself, out went the buck teeth and pigtails and in went the enhancements. Despite being at school with Anna and Nancy, Raquel is desperately hanging on to her youth or at least youthful men! The marvellous Lynda Newton is making a welcome return to the GWT stage after some time away busy being a head teacher! Is anyone else noticing a thread here?

The three Englishwomen are joined by Charlot, an out of work actor and singer, come general handyman. He turns on the water supply and the Gallic charm in equal measure and is friend to all of 'Les Dames Anglaises'. Scott Shearer portrays Charlot oozing charm and flair and Scott has also written a song especially for the show. Scott's musical talents have come to fore in shows before such as 'Glorious' and 'Promises! Promises!' I identify with Charlot, having given up a career in teaching and now desperately trying pursue a career in acting. Scott also has worked in schools and his wife is currently training to be a teacher!

The cast is completed by the formidable (English meaning – not the French) Madame Boussiron, a tyrannical, curt, officious land lady who is typically French. She's the sort of character who if you didn't attempt to speak French she would take offence, but if you did attempt to 'Parlez Français' she would correct you. Taking on this role is the relative newcomer Rose Walker, who appeared in 'Thieves Carnival' at the end of last season. Rose’s daughter Natalie is also a teacher! It seems we all have a link to teaching in some way or other.

'We'll Always Have Paris' is a new piece of writing and was first performed last year at the Mill at Sonning, with Marlene Sidaway playing Nancy,  Lucy Fleming playing Anna and probably the most famous name being Louise Jamieson playing Raquel, supported by Michael Fenner as Charlot and Anna Nicholas as Madame Boussiron. It has had a number of amateur performances around the world.

Jill Hyem is a new writer to the GWT. I will warn people that there are a couple of expletives, but nothing, I hope, that will offend people; and it is in keeping with the light hearted nature of the play. Rehearsals have been a delight and we seem to have spent most of the time inviting our own version of Franglais!

'We'll Always Have Paris' is a light, fun work that does have touching moments of real feeling in it. Come along and join in the fun, laughter, tears, tantrums and joy as three old school friends experience life in one of the most beautiful, romantic and cosmopolitan capitals in the world. On the deeper level it examines friendship, as the three women’s relationships with each other evolve and also it addresses attitudes to growing older.

We look forward to having you join us in Paris 5-12 November. Undoubtedly fireworks will be going off so just pretend it is Bastille Day!

Richard Banks

Director