Agape House, Bermuda's only home for the terminally ill, was yesterday transformed into an oasis of fun for about 30 minutes, as thirteen schoolchildren clapped, laughed and learned to make music with spoons.

The children, who ranged in age from one to 12 years, huddled into the living room while adults sat on sofas and chairs nearby. Many of the youngsters were either children of patients or Agape House workers.

In the centre, sat musician Mr. Eric Nagler, who began his ten-minute performance by teaching the children to churn out a tune with two spoons.

Then he had them join in a sing-a-long while he played the violin.

But his colleague Mr. John Pattison, with whom he will share centre stage in the children's international theatre festival known as Kidsfest this weekend, massaged his audience's funny bone with a witty routine.

His stooge Durango, a green puppet with fiery red hair, blue jeans and crimson suspenders, touched the most responsive chord in his youthful audience.

They screamed with glee at the tongue twisting banter exchanged between puppet and master.

"I liked playing the spoons,'' Eujon Eversley, 5, said.

"But I also liked the puppet show especially when he put on its big eyes.'' Twelve-year-old Maskela Maryam of Warwick Secondary had similar thoughts.

Although she said she enjoyed the violin playing as well as the puppet.

Once the show was over, the children were treated to chocolate cake and punch.

However, the children were not the only ones who extracted levity from the show.

Patient Mrs. Pearl Easton said she revelled in the entertainment.

"I sure enjoyed it,'' she said. "I love to see the little ones around because I love little kids.'' Agape House volunteer co-ordinator Mrs. Jacqueline Horsfield, said she would like to see more performers visit the home on a monthly basis.

"This performance has injected a lot of positive energy into this place,'' she said. "I'd like to see it happen more often.'' Meantime, Agape House co-ordinator Mrs. Hilary Soares said having the children around helped to lighten the mood.

"Having young children here helps to normalise things,'' she said. "It's lovely to have something to lighten the atmosphere.''