Princess, next week, with another performance of its Noel Coward smash hit, "Private Lives''.

"Over this period of time, we have employed over 80 people, both onstage and backstage,'' said producer Dusty Hind. "We have used six different directors and have done everything from small musicals and drama mysteries, to comedies and farces.'' Announcing that the new summer season will include a British farce, "Pyjama Tops'' and the classic American comedy, "The Odd Couple'', in addition to "Private Lives'', Mr. Hind said that "Pyjama Tops'', a spoof on French bedroom farces, rather in the style of their popular production of "Don't Dress for Dinner'', will be directed by Derek Corlett who scored a success with his debut production of "Noises Off'' for BMDS.

Describing this year's roster as "a mix of old stalwarts and new talent'', Mr. Hind noted that Annette Hallett's production of "The Odd Couple'' will reunite "that fantastic acting duo'' of Thomas Saunders and Phillip Jones, while Richard Fell, Helen Coffey, Nancy Thompson and Matthew Clifford continue to bring sophisticated wit and humour to "Private Lives''. "This play has been very successful with visitors and cruise ship passengers,'' said the producer, "as they really love the '30s period in which it's set.'' Jabulani represents the first year-round, semi-professional theatre presented here for many years. Ironically, it was the summer seasons at the old Bermudiana Theatre which introduced Elsbeth Gibson to Bermuda back in the 1950's. Not only is she still here, but, acknowledged as the Island's `First Lady' of the theatre, she is back on the boards -- this time around with Jabulani -- as she delights audiences with her performances in "Driving Miss Daisy''.

"We are now considering seeking a corporate sponsor,'' reveals Mr. Hind, "in order that we can continue to expand our capacity. This would enable us to re-include small musicals in our repertoire. At the moment, the big challenge is that we really need a better quality sound system for music and singing -- and that's why our range has had to be narrowed down rather more than we would like. The current sound system was designed for cabaret, around 20 years ago! Greg Thompson created some wonderful shows for Bermuda but it was unchanging for 32 weeks. We, however, have been able to come up with six completely different productions each year which has obviously greatly widened the appeal to local audiences.'' "Private Lives'' will be performed at the Hamilton Princess on Wednesday, May 27 to Saturday, May 30. "The Odd Couple'' from June 3-6 and "Pyjama Tops'' opens on June 17 and runs to June 20.