There will be another chance to see one of Bermuda's most popular theatrical presentations when Donel Productions' `The Slippered Pantaloon' is re-staged next week.

Gavin Wilson, Nigel Kermode and Mary Strong-Winchell, who first presented their `Evening of Comedic Entertainment' back in 1993, will give two performances to benefit Southampton's St. Anne's Church Restoration Fund.

Bermuda's `first lady' of the theatre, Elsbeth Gibson, is the director of the show which is a three-part `survey' on the joys and woes of the ageing process. Combining a rich mix of humour and pathos, it commences with a selection of poems that range from Lennon and McCartney and Dylan Thomas to the northern British humour of comic Pam Ayres. Messrs. Kermode and Wilson provide some decidedly `black' humour in `Obituaries', originally written for BBC radio and set in an old folks' home. Finally, Gavin Wilson will repeat his Mark Twain monologue in which the celebrated -- and ageing -- author reflects on his life as America's rascally lion of literature. "St. Anne's Church is the second oldest church in Bermuda and an important part of our heritage,'' says Mr. Wilson, "so we feel this is a very worthy cause. In fact,'' he adds, "Nigel feels so strongly about it that he is thinking of waiving his fee which is nine dollars a performance.'' The church, known for many years simply as Port Royal Church, was built in 1616 -- just seven years after the wreck of the Sea Venture brought about, quite accidentally, the colonisation of the uninhabited island. By 1613, some 500 settlers had also made the perilous journey across the Atlantic. With St.

Peter's Church having been hastily erected in St. George's in 1612, the first building at Port Royal, overlooking the south shore, was a similarly simple affair, built of timber, with palmetto leaves forming the roof.

By the mid-17th century, wardens were already assisting `the poor of the Tribe' with sums of money. In 1717 the nave of the present church was erected, the North Transept following in 1759. The South Transept had to wait until 1826 and that same year, the church was consecrated when the Bishop of Nova Scotia -- the very first bishop to visit Bermuda -- consecrated all the Anglican churches on the Island.

St. Anne's Heritage Fund, which includes the restoration project, aims to raise $700,000 for much needed renovations to the church, says spokesman and committee member Trevor Baker. "This will include some minor alterations to the structure as we wish to incorporate a foyer within the entryway to provide `all weather' access and to improve the administration area.'' He estimates that major costs will include a new electronic organ, rewiring, new pews and railings, relocation of the altar and panelling, chapel altar and seating.

There will also be a new stained glass window, designed and fabricated by well known artist Vivian Gardner.

`The Slippered Pantaloon' takes place at St. Anne's Church Hall on Friday, November 20 and Saturday, November 21 at 8 p.m., tickets $15. For reservations telephone 295-3688 ext. 224 (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.), 238-3282 (evenings). Box office open at Hall on show nights from 7 p.m. onwards.

HERITAGE -- The performances will benefit Southampton's St. Anne's Church Restoration Fund.

CHURCH CHU