For decades, Daylesford has been a familiar but faded structure on the corner of Washington and Dundonald Streets.

As the headquarters of the Bermuda Musical & Dramatic Society (BMDS), it has served its members - and the public - well, but there comes a time in every building's life when age takes its toll, and it had been a long time since money was spent on the structure.

Several years ago the membership recognised that a leaking roof, among other defects, were firm indicators that something must be done.

In addition, the burgeoning use of its theatre, as well as other areas for special events, meant that more space, and better use of the present space, was required.

So a special building committee headed by Philip McIntosh was formed, and a thorough analysis of the use of the present space, particularly the bar area, undertaken.

Members were canvassed for their ideas and recommendations, as were structural engineers, and from that evolved interior designer Susan Bendell of Design Ltd.'s smart, new concept.

On July 23, just two days after the last production ended, Somers Construction moved in on Daylesford, and what has emerged from dust and rubble is a trendy new look that is as attractive as it is functional.

The official opening was on Friday last, when 250 people watched Lady Vereker cut the ribbon.

The bar and lounge area, once cramped and underused on one side, is now one big area whose main focus is a u-shaped bar, where everyone can see and be seen.

Equipped with equal facilities on both sides, it will now allow four bartenders to work simultaneously.

Overhead cove lighting spreads a muted glow, while fibre optic lighting illuminates the rims of clear panelling around the overhead glass racks with constantly changing colours.

Harlequin-shaped wine racks echo the same pattern in the black and gold foyer drapes.

An inset television monitors security cameras which scan the building, and the original tables and chairs have been refurbished to be like new.

The taupe walls are a perfect foil for the colourful, framed posters of past BMDS productions, and the stark white of the windows, interior wooden shutters and Victorian moulding are a pleasing contrast.

The foyer space is more open, and now has only one small set of steps.

Into its new, polished concrete floor is the BMDS logo with the traditional laugh/cry masks.

The former front porch has been removed and a two-storey extension built in its place allowing, for the first time, an upstairs rehearsal room - fondly known as "the casting couch" - of similar dimensions to the theatre stage.

Gray & Co. replaced the theatre roof, and the entire fire and security systems were upgraded.

Clearly delighted with the finished project, BMDS president Adrienne Hintz says, "We hope that people will feel more comfortable to come and have a drink before, at the interval, and after performances, where they can also meet the actors."

In fact, the Society is hoping that, through more public use of the facility, its membership will increase.

"At the end of the day, we are all about theatre, and while our membership is around 500, it is always the same 100 who are actively involved.

"We always need actors and backstage people."

As great as the present renovations are, they by no means represent the total "wish list".

Upgrading sound in the theatre, a projection screen and projector for movie nights, an awning over the front doors, proper box office furniture, and more furniture for the bar area are among the things the Society aims to achieve when funds permit, so donations to the BMDS or BMDS Foundation fund are always welcome.

For further information e-mail: divabmds.bm

Meanwhile, Ms Hintz, on behalf of the BMDS, paid tribute to the small army of volunteers who helped to clear Daylesford before renovation work began, and then replaced everything when it was done.

She also had praise for owners Gilbert Lopes and Kirk Peets, who allowed the Society to establish temporary headquarters in the now-demolished War Veterans Club on Dundonald Street at no charge.