AN ENGLISH-language theatre group on the outskirts of Paris is putting on a play based on the true story of an eccentric elderly woman who lived for years in a van in central London.

The performance by the International Players is part of a series of events throughout 2010 in the town of Le Pecq, near La Défense, that aim to highlight awareness about homelessness.

The Lady in the Van tells the true story of author Alan Bennett’s encounter in the late 1960s with Miss Shepherd, an outcast who lived in a van near his home in north London.

It was an encounter that led eventually to Miss Shepherd moving into his garden for “two or three months”. She stayed there for 15 years until her death in 1989.

The play touches on homelessness, mental illness and social responsibility but does have some comic relief.

The performances take place at 20.30 on February 4, 5 and 6 in the Salle des Fêtes in Le Pecq, next to Saint-Germain-en-Laye.

There is also a Saturday matinee on February 6 at 14.30. Tickets are €12 for adults or €10 for students (the play is suitable for ages 14 and over) and can be reserved on 06 31 58 52 85.

The International Players have been running for more than 20 years, with members from the UK, Ireland, the US, Canada, Australia, the Netherlands, Germany, New Zealand, Sweden and France. For more info, see www.internationalplayers.co.uk