"Each time we get through a production it seems like a miracle," says Gaby Ford, entering her 10th year of running The English Theatre in Rome.

"Miracle" perhaps betrays the relentless work that has gone into the project since 1996, when Ford set out to create a venue dedicated to producing plays in English.

Ford cracked open a bottle of champagne to mark the theatres anniversary and described how it is now home to a host of cast and crew from across the world, including Britain, Ireland, France, Germany, Austria, the United States and China.

Shes also keen to share the party with her audiences: "On the last night of each performance they can join the cast and crew backstage to eat and drink, for just an extra e10." The productions include "15 Seconds" by Francois Archambault, a story of love and relationships, on 19, 21, 25 May and Harold Pinters "No Mans Land" from 22 May to 8 June.