THE WARREN Set for Brighton Fringe, 29-31 May

MUSE takes us back to the 1930s to reveal the inspiration for Christopher Isherwood's Sally Bowles - and uncovers a far more complex and talented woman. With her green-painted nails and a string of lovers, Jean Ross (who roomed in the same house as Isherwood) was indeed 'divinely decadent' but far from the air-headed floozy in the stories. Born in Egypt, RADA-trained and allergic to conventionality, Ross became a respected political journalist who filed reports from the siege of Madrid in the Spanish Civil War and brought up (as a single mother) a daughter who herself overturned convention. Along the way she was also the muse for a German pianist on his way to Hollywood, and of the lyricist Eric Maschwitz - his song These Foolish Things, written about Ross after their affair ended, is among the authentic songs featured in the production.

A new one woman musical, MUSE debuts at Brighton Fringe ahead of a three week run at the Edinburgh Fringe as the first in a series of new shows by Jugé Productions about inspiring women of the 1930s. For writer and Musical Director Gez Kahan, the varied lifestyles and nationalities of the characters provide an opportunity to create witty and entertaining works infused with multi-linguistic delights which perfectly suit this European company.

Producer and performer Sophie Jugé is taking on the challenge of playing the formidable Jean Ross, contrasting her free-spirited youth, diverse experiences and later on more private personal life. "Jean Ross is a fantastic role to play. I feel the responsibility to pique the audience's interest in this lady accented by the great songs in our new show."

After Brighton Fringe, MUSE plays a three week run at the Edinburgh Fringe preceded by a performance at the Kenton Theatre, Henley in June.

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