Danji Productions' `Birthday Suite' -- imported "direct from Jamaica'' was hailed as one of the funniest plays seen here in a long time when it was staged at the Spice Valley auditorium back in March.

Now, the "uproarous comedy'' can viewed again -- this time at City Hall.

Wendell (`Shine') Hayward, bowing to "popular demand'', is bringing the entire show back for an encore run from August 27-29, with an additional matinee on August 30.

The well-known musician and graduate of Boston's prestigious Berklee College of Music who currently teaches at Warwick Academy, is mounting `Birthday Suite' through his own company, Danji Productions (formed in 1982 for his famous `Jazz Suppers' and named for his son Jadanja).

"I have brought in several professors of jazz from Berklee and Dakota Staton, the jazz vocalist, but this is the first time I have handled a play,'' he said. "I saw the play when I was in Jamaica and it was a sell-out there.'' Written by the English playwright Robin Hawdon and first performed in the UK, `Bithday Suite' was subsequently adapted by well-known director Pablo Hoilett for Jamaican audiences. Appearing in the play are some of Jamaica's best known actors, including Karlene Smith, Judith Thompson, Calvin Morris, Winston `Bello' Bell and Harold Newell.

There is, explained Mr. Hayward, a strong farcial element in the play which is set in a Jamaican hotel and involves a classic `mix-up' in rooms and rendezvous. "The humour is really universal,'' he said, adding that although it is certainly an `adult' comedy which features `a lady of the night', "it is tastefully done -- good clean humour with no profanity.'' The Bermuda visit will be the first stop for the Jamaican company which then goes on to perform in New York, Fort Lauderdale and Washington.

"When we put the show on here, they said they were very thrilled with our theatre set. They said it was the best set they had ever performed with.'' When Mr. Hayward orginally saw the production, it was at one of the leading venues, the New Kingston Theatre, which, he said, was primitive by Bermuda standards. "We are spoiled here in Bermuda. People moan about our venues but the New Kingston didn't even compare with our school auditoria -- never mind City Hall!'' Mr. Hayward has also decided to stage a special matinee "for all those who do shift work and usually miss out on evening entertainment.'' Danji Productions' `Birthday Suite' will be staged at City Hall on August 27 through 29 at 8 p.m., and on Saturday, August 30 at 3 p.m. Tickets at $30 (or $35 at the door) are available from the City Hall Box Office. Part proceeds will go to The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Bermuda and American Airlines has donated a raffle prize for a round trip ticket to Jamaica.

A `SUITE' COMEDY -- Jamaican director Pablo Hoilett (left) offers some advice to the cast of `Birthday Suite' featuring (L-R) Judith Thompson, Calvin Morris, Winston (Bello) Bell, Karlene Smith and Harold Newell.