Nigel Kermode, Gavin Wilson and Mary Strong Winchell will star in an evening of entertainment which turns the spotlight on the problems of "growing old (dis)gracefully''.

Gavin Wilson, whiskered and wigged for the occasion, will once again bring uncannily to life, the unforgettable Mark Twain in a hilarious monologue reflection on old age, and his unique conclusions on the process.

Mary Winchell and Nigel Kermode come together in a set of well known, and not so well known poems on the same theme, including the Seven Ages of Man speech from Shakespeare's `As You Like It', excerpts from Dylan Thomas's `Under Milk Wood', as well as verse by Ogden Nash and popular contemporary English poet, Pam Ayres.

The evening ends with a play by David Conville, originally written for the BBC.

Set in a rest-home in South London, Nigel Kermode and Gavin Wilson take on the roles of two elderly, and highly eccentric gentlemen whose humour can, at best, be described as being of the `black' or `gallows' variety. Mary Winchell plays the long-suffering nurse.

All three are thrilled to be repeating last year's success under the direction of Bermuda's doyenne of the theatre, Elsbeth Gibson. It was, says Mr. Kermode, his memory of her inspired work with him when he starred with Richard Fell in her production of `Staircase' for the BMDS, that originally gave him the idea of asking her to present this programme of Thespian entertainment: he says simply, "She is the best.'' Gavin Wilson and Nigel Kermode have also previously appeared together in `The Caine Mutiny Court Martial', `Camelot', and `Once Upon a Catholic'.

`The Slippered Pantaloon', staged as a fund raiser for the National Gallery, will be presented on April 28, 29 and 30. Tickets at $20 ($15 for members) include wine and hors d'oeuvres in the Watlington Room.

Tickets are available from the Gallery (telephone 295-9428) which is open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sunday from 12.30 to 4 p.m.

Advance bookings are strongly advised, as seating is limited.