Famous for 15 Minutes: Daylesford Theatre (Thursday, September 3)

If you'd asked me two days ago if I ever thought I'd watch a Lancastrian nurse, playing the part of Queen Elizabeth I, take to the stage in Bermuda and pretend to defecate in front of a live audience, I'd have replied with an emphatic no.

But this Island has a funny way of springing surprises on you — so I probably shouldn't be too shocked to have just witnessed such a scene at the Daylesford Theatre.

Jenny Burrell was the Lancastrian in question and two performances by her this evening in Famous for Fifteen Minutes 2009 reminded me of what a versatile actor she really is — even if her grimacing Virgin Queen on the toilet was a little too real for my liking.

The "throne scene", as it were, came at the end of an evening of short plays by six local writers, all competing to win the annual festival presented by Bermuda Musical and Dramatic Society.

And I'm not really ruining the plot by mentioning it here — since James Bennett's 'Royal Flush' is all about the introduction of the modern-day loo to England by Sir John Harrington.

If toilet humour is your thing and you think loudly shouting out words for waste matter is hilariously funny, I promise you are going to love this piece.

I'm not sure it is my cup of tea — but I did enjoy the performances, which brings me back to Ms Burrell. She's got great comic timing and a wicked way with words.

I laughed out loud at the contempt in her voice when she called Sir John, played by The Royal Gazette's own Owain Johnston-Barnes, a "muddle-headed saucy rogue".

But earlier in the evening, she brought a lump to my throat as haughty Mrs. Pearman in Karenmary Penn's 'Trespasses'. Her churchgoing character appears utterly unlikeable, albeit entertainingly bitchy — until she steps into the confession booth and unleashes a secret which has haunted her for three years.

It's a powerful moment in the action, when what appears to be a mildly amusing drama becomes something much more poignant.

Jennifer Osmond was equally excellent as church cleaner Magda, another sad soul harbouring guilt. She inadvertently hears the confession and ends up delivering one of her own soon after.

Whether she finds the forgiveness she is after is left deliberately vague. 'Trespasses' was certainly my favourite play of the night — and I'm willing to wager it will win the festival.

Elsewhere, the evening was full of the rituals of human existence: birth, death, work and fornication. 'Country Fair' by Hamish McCallum sees a recently widowed pregnant woman seek the help of a medium to speak to her late husband — only to end up hearing the clear and articulate voice of her unborn child.

The lives of four female factory workers intertwine in 'Piece Work' by Carol Birch. Although they gripe at one another as they carry out their mind-numbing duties, the deep bond between them is evident in the final scene.

History buffs will enjoy 'Day's End' by Barbara Jones, which depicts a true tale of corruption in early 18th century Bermuda.

But more real to me was the excellent 'The Shaming of the True' by Nathaniel Butterfield, whose fabulous moniker surely demands that he stick with playwriting.

Actually, Mr. Butterfield is more than just a pretty name. The dialogue in this play — in which a wife confronts her cheating husband and best friend — was the most authentic of the evening and not just because of the liberal use of swear words.

I really felt for Kristen Darrell and Kevin Comeau as the troubled married couple — and Donna Nicholson was also believable as the pal who gets in way above her head.

All the plays in the festival must be under 15 minutes long (hence its title) and my only gripe with 'The Shaming of the True' was that it felt like a scene from a longer work; perhaps it is. If so, it's a drama I'd definitely pay money to see.

Tonight (Saturday) is the final gala night of Famous for 15 Minutes, when the festival winner will be announced and there will be a pre-show reception. Call 292-0848 for ticket information.