l With the Middle East so prominent in the news these days, today's lunchtime lecture at the Bermuda National Gallery is particularly topical. Joseph Galea, senior architect at Works and Engineering, will give a slide presentation on the distinctive vernacular architecture of the Asir region of Saudi Arabia's south-west corner, which borders Yemen. Mr. Galea's talk will illustrate how the climate and limited resources of this mountainous region have influenced the form of houses developed by the proud and resourceful people of the area. The lecture begins at 12.30 p.m. and admission is free.

l Pembroke Sunday School hall is the setting for the Bermuda School of Russian Ballet's Spring concert, which takes tomorrow, Friday and Saturday evenings at 7.30 p.m. Tickets (adults $15, children under 12 $10) will be sold at the door.

l On May 9 and 10 Healing Stage Productions aims to tickle the feminine funny bone while benefitting the Bermuda National Gallery with an hilarious performance by American Comedy Award nominee and 17-year comedy veteran Diana Jordan. Her show - a mixture of comedy and song - is entitled `Female, Fertile and Frustrated!' Described as "covering life's challenges with intelligence" and following her proven formula of "time plus pain equals humour", Ms Jordan promises to leave audiences "feeling inspired and invigorated". The venue is the Fairmont Hamilton Princess Hotel's Gazebo Lounge, and the starting time is 8 p.m. Proceeds will benefit the Bermuda National Gallery's ArtReach art education programme. Tickets (BNG members' $40, others $45) are now available at the Gallery between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily except Sunday. ( 295-9428 or fax 295-2055.