Train, rehearse and perform Shakespeare for an unforgetable two weeks in the South West of France
After a triumphant, sold out inaugural year, Monsieur Shakespeare returns again in 2026 with another carefully crafted project. Set in the heart of the Occitanie countryside, this residential course combines high level actor training, ensemble creativity, and the joy of sharing Shakespeare with a live audience.
“An incredible challenge, an incredible achievement.”
2025 Midsummer Nights Dream participant
September 2026 will see us take on the challenge of a fully realised and edited performance of The Winter’s Tale!
This autumn, Monsieur Shakespeare returns with a single, focused course, culminating in fully staged public performances of The Winter’s Tale.
Set at Mas d’Arjac in the South West of of France, this project offers a different kind of Shakespeare experience, shaped by space, ensemble and imagination.
A Different Kind of Shakespeare
Where the summer course embraces the openness of outdoor performance, September moves into a more contained site specific setting. Performances will take place in two contrasting found spaces:
A large atmospheric country barn
A local salle des fêtes
These are not traditional theatres, but living spaces shaped into performance environments. The focus is not on technical spectacle, but on the actor, the text, and the shared act of storytelling.
The Winter’s Tale is ideally suited to this approach. It moves from physcoholoical intensity to warmth, humour and wonder, offering rich opportunities for an ensemble and a deeply satisfying journey for performers.
The result is immediate, human and shared with an engaged audience drawn from the local community.
Why September?
September in this part of France is often one of the most beautiful times of the year. The brightness of summer softens into warm, golden days and calm evenings. The pace of life allows for focus and cfreativity, while still offering space to rest and enjoy the surroundings.
You can swim, eat outdoors, and work in a concentrated and creatively energising environment.
What is Monsieur Shakespeare?
Whether you are a passionate amateur, a seasoned performer, a teacher, or a curious newcomer, this course offers an extraordinary opportunity to:
Rehearse and perform in a professionally directed Shakespeare production
Train and perform alongside experienced professional actors and teachers
Receive one to one coaching and personalised feedback
Share your work in a fully realised public performance
Set at the beautiful Mas d’Arjac, you will live, work, and create in a supportive artistic community, with time to rest, explore, and grow.
What Makes It Special?
Training That Transforms
Led by director Peter Bramley and a team of professional actors and teachers, the course offers expert training in text, voice and movement, through focused workshops tailored to the needs of the production. Techniques include Meisner, Lecoq ensemble practice, and classical text work. One-to-one coaching helps you develop personally and artistically, wherever you are starting from.
“Peter set high standards while creating a supportive environment for everyone to thrive. The professionals raised the bar, and we were inspired to meet it.”
2025 Midsummer Nights Dream participant
A Creative Retreat
Stay in beautifully restored eighteenth century cottages, share evening meals and wine together, and enjoy access to a private swimming pool. Structured training is balanced with relaxed social time, local excursions, and space for reflection.
Performance With Purpose
Your work culminates in fully staged public performances shared with a live audience. In 2025 performances were described as; “magical”, “ambitious” and “astonishingly polished”.
“We achieved so much more than I thought possible in such a short time. I left feeling proud, stretched, and inspired.”
2025 Midsummer Nights Dream participant
Cost
£1,575 per person (shared room)
£300 single room supplement
Dates
Friday 11th September: Arrivals in Toulouse
Saturday 12th - Friday 25th September: Rehearsals and workshop
Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th September: Performances
Monday 28th September: Return travel
What is Included:
17 nights’ accommodation (shared or single with supplement)
Half board: breakfast and dinner (including wine and beer)
Professional workshops and rehearsals with full artistic direction
Two public performances
One-to-one coaching with professional performers/tutors (meet the artistic team here)
Airport and rail transfers from Toulouse or Caussade
Excursions to local towns and markets
Use of pool, Wi Fi, linens and towels
“The food was fantastic, the setting stunning, and the company unforgettable.
It was theatre heaven.”
2025 Midsummer Nights Dream participant
What You Will Need?
To learn your lines well in advance (you will receive the script in good time!)
Basic performance clothing and appropriate footwear, according to a given design brief
Your own travel to Toulouse or Caussade
Curiosity, energy, and a willingness to dive in
Who Can Apply?
This course is for people who want to do something ambitious! It is ideal for:
Actors wanting to deepen their relationship with Shakespeare
Theatre makers seeking an intensive creative experience
Those with some acting experience ready to challenge themselves
Anyone who values ensemble work and shared storytelling!
“It does not matter if you are a pro or have not acted in years … you will be challenged and supported in equal measure.”
2025 Midsummer Nights Dream participant
To enquire about booking a space or to sign up and pay your deposit, please e-mail heather@pantsonfirethatre.com
Have more questions? Sure, feel free to ask or alternatively - read our FAQ’s!
Not a performer? But still want to get involved? Check out our non-performing options below!
Stage Management and Observer Role (£1200 shared room)
Not everyone wants to perform, but you can still be part of the production. For those who prefer to contribute offstage, we offer a dedicated Stage Management and Observer role. You will:
Observe rehearsals and training
Assist with costumes, props and backstage work
Be part of the creative process without performing
This unique role offers a way to learn, observe, and participate in the creative journey without stepping on stage.
Bring a Guest
Participants who have booked a single room (with the single room supplement) are welcome to bring a guest. For a reduced fee of £800 guests can:
Share your beautiful accommodation
Enjoy the pool, countryside, and excursions
Join us for all meals, drinks, and social events
Some guests choose to lend a hand behind the scenes, while others simply relax and soak up the atmosphere!
To enquire about these non-performing options, please email heather@pantsonfiretheatre.com