talents for a comic look at old age in a programme entitled The Slippered Pantaloon, which opens at the National Gallery on Thursday.

Elspeth Gibson, through her company, Donel Productions, and long acknowledged as the doyenne of Bermuda theatre, directs Gavin Wilson, Nigel Kermode and Mary Strong in an evening of verse, monologue and a play entitled Obituaries.

Proceeds for the evening will be donated as a fund-raising for the National Gallery.

The programme will be divided into three sections, the first led by Mary Strong and Nigel Kermode in a selection of verse ranging from The Seven Ages of Man speech from Shakespeare's "As You Like It'' (and from which the title is taken), selections from Dylan Thomas's "Under Milk Wood'', Ogden Nash and the English poet, Pam Ayres.

The next treat will be Gavin Wilson delivering Mark Twain's reflections on the idiosyncrasies of old age: "I've always had this burning desire to do this monologue,'' he confesses.

"Of course, Hal Holbrook, who came here a few years ago, is the ultimate Mark Twain, but this is not an attempt to emulate him. I just think Mark Twain is a wonderful character -- his humour is as fresh and topical today as it ever was.'' The third section of the evening will be devoted to a play, originally written by David Conville for the BBC, when Ronald Fraser and Ian Carmichael took the leading roles.

Set in a rest-home in Beckenham, South London, it traces the lives of two elderly men who pass their time in playing what appear to be macabre games -- that of writing fantastical obituaries for each other. Tension is heightened with the rumour that a member of the Royal Family is about to visit and they, to their annoyance, have apparently been excluded from those chosen to be presented. Mary Strong plays the nurse who unwittingly discloses a dark secret carried by one of these men -- but which one? Described by Nigel Kermode as "black or gallows humour'', both he and Gavin Wilson are thrilled to have Elspeth Gibson directing this hour-long play.

"We felt it would be especially suitable for an informal setting. It's not really necessary to have proper sets as you would at City Hall or Daylesford, as this entire play stands -- and falls -- by its humour,'' explains Mr.

Kermode.

But they both agree that the most exciting aspect of doing the play is having Elspeth Gibson as director.

"Maybe younger people here don't realise that Elspeth is a former Broadway actress who had a stunning career with her husband, Don. When they came to Bermuda they revolutionised the theatre here. She has done so much, but she does it so quietly! Bermuda owes her a great debt,'' said Mr. Wilson.

Mr. Kermode agrees, adding she is approaching this relatively small production with the same thoroughness as she would a fully-equipped, major production.

"With Elspeth, you just don't get away with less than the best -- she was giving us hell the other night,'' he says, laughing.

Both Gavin Wilson and Nigel Kermode are enthusiastic about the decision to stage productions in the National Gallery.

"(Gallery director) Laura Gorham is very keen and is working very hard to make the gallery a vital part of the Arts Centre concept. Hopefully, productions like this will bring people in who might not come otherwise, so hopefully, it serves two purposes,'' said Mr. Kermode. "Formal drama has its place, of course, but it often gets mired down in politics and cliques. Gavin and I just wanted to do something that would be fun and this seemed to be the natural place to do it.'' This production will be just the latest occasion in which these two talented actors have appeared together. Other memorable team-ups include "The Caine Mutiny Court Martial'', "Camelot'' and "Once A Catholic''. It was the memory of Elspeth Gibson's inspired direction of "Staircase'', in which Mr. Kermode appeared with Richard Fell, that made him so keen for her to direct what is virtually another dialogue of humour that is relentlessly biting.

The Slippered Pantaloon takes place at the National Gallery on May 6, 7 and 8 at 8 p.m. nightly. Wine and cheese will be served. Tickets at $18 ($15 for members) are on sale now at the gallery. Reservations for what is sure to be a popular production are essential, as space is limited. Telephone the National Gallery at 295-9428 to reserve tickets.

AGE CANNOT WITHER THEM -- Mr. Gavin Wilson, left, and Mr. Nigel Kermode take a humorous look at the art of growing (dis)gracefully old in The Slippered Pantaloon which opens at the National Gallery this Thursday.