Company at the Hamilton Princess Hotel.

Starring one of Bermuda's favourite acting teams -- Helen Coffey and Richard Fell -- the popular Willy Russell comedy plays from tomorrow through Saturday.

Helen Coffey, amazingly, only began her thespian career when she arrived in Bermuda in 1993. In quick succession she was given leading roles in `Steel Magnolias' (when she stepped in to take over the main role at a moment's notice), `A Chorus of Disapproval', `Move Over Mrs. Markham', `Relatively Speaking' and, most memorably, in Joel Froomkin's brilliant version of `A Little Night Music'.

She admits she is enjoying the very new experience of appearing in a two-hander: "It's an absolutely wonderful play to perform and has a universal story that will translate anywhere, I think.'' This became apparent she says, from the "wonderful'' reaction from tourists, especially the cruise ship visitors who have been packing the audience on Wednesday nights.

Noting that the exquisitely crafted play is "very wordy'' and difficult to learn (in fact, as Rita, the enchantingly comical hairdresser who yearns for the halls of academia, she rarely stops talking), Ms Coffey adds, "It was quite a challenge to get this up and running in just three weeks and it would never have happened if it hadn't been for the sheer professionalism of Richard Fell, who plays the reluctant professor. We worked on it every single night without stop, as there is absolutely no room for mistakes in a comedy like this.'' Admitting to a feeling of complete rapport when she works with Richard Fell, Ms Coffey recalls that when she first arrived here, she was totally in awe, and somewhat shy of him. "But he is a very generous person, patient and has a wonderful sense of humour -- a wonderful person to work with!'' She appreciates, too, the direction of Annette Hallett who, she says, was invaluable in helping her to attain the essence of Rita's personality. "Her lines are very funny but you have to be careful not to allow her to lapse into caricature -- she has to be completely real to the audience from the very first moment she walks onstage -- and Annette perfectly understood that.'' This production forms part of Jabulani's summer theatre season. Also playing are the British farce `There Goes the Bride' and the New York comedy `P.S.

Your Cat is Dead'.

`Educating Rita', produced by Dusty Hind, will be performed in the Gazebo Lounge at the Princess tomorrow, June 24 through Saturday, June 28. Tickets are $25, obtainable in advance (dinner and show package available at $54) and doors open at 8.30 p.m. for 9 p.m. sharp. For reservations, call 295-3000.

ACTING DUO -- Helen Coffey and Richard Fell.