Possibly for the first time in Bermuda's history, Phillip Jones can claim distinction as director of two plays running simultaneously on the Island.

Jabulani Repertory Company is currently staging his truly scary thriller, `I'll Be Back Before Midnight' (this Thursday through Saturday), and next week, his BMDS production of Ben Elton's `Silly Cow' opens at Daylesford.

"I'm a great fan of Elton, having read all of his books and plays. When I read `Silly Cow', I was laughing out loud! It's a very, very funny play, pretty rude, with very adult language.'' This will come as no surprise to those who have seen Elton's many British TV shows, including the satirically outrageous series, `Blackadder'.

Phillip Jones, a professionally trained actor who studied at the Banff School of Fine Arts, then trained as a doctor. "Our leading lady is another doctor -- Barbara Jones -- no relation! Barbara does more directing than acting these days, so she senses what I am trying to achieve and it's great to be working so closely with her.'' The play centres around Doris, a celebrity tabloid journalist who writes a column which consists mostly of pure abuse. Attempting to make the transition from print to TV, she is being taken to court by an actress being sued for libel. Doris, says Dr. Jones, has made a lot of enemies in the "creative'' world: "It has some pretty earthy components!'' John Thompson plays Sidney, an editor trying to woo her for the new job, and well-known musician Gaynor Gallant makes her acting debut as the P.A. Alastair Vartan, who scored a hit in Jabulani's `There Goes the Bride', brings his gift for comedy to the role of Doris's accountant. Completing the cast is Simon Jack, also making his stage debut and, says, Dr. Jones, "providing the love interest''. Helen Coffey, whom Dr. Jones describes as `Superwoman' is producer.

Phillip Jones was an award winner for his performance in `One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest' at Canada's Guelph Little Theatre. In Bermuda, he first attracted attention in Tennessee Williams' `The Glass Menagerie'. On his return to Bermuda, he received rave reviews for his portrayal of Mr. Ford in Joel Froomkin's memorable BMDS production of `The Merry Wives of Windsor'. He has also played major roles in three comedies for Jabulani -- `Move Over Mrs.

Markham', `Relatively Speaking' and `P.S. Your Cat is Dead'.

`Silly Cow' runs from March 30 through April 4 and the Daylesford box office opens on March 23.

SILLY COW -- The cast of the BMDS production of Ben Elton's `Silly Cow', pictured during rehearsal at Daylesford Theatre. (Left to right) Barbara Jones, John Thompson, Gaynor Gallant, Alastair Vartan and Simon Jack.