Bermudian entertainers working overseas have expressed interest in returning to the Island to appear in a brand-new show.

The Department of Tourism and Bermuda Hotels Association have disclosed details of a joint plan to back a Bermuda-themed review running at least five nights a week in Dockyard, St. George's and Hamilton.

Adverts inviting tenders for the show were published last Friday, but Tourism Minister David Allen said Bermudian entertainers working overseas have already expressed interest.

Mr. Allen said he hoped the show would help reinvigorate the Island's flagging entertainment scene and encourage young performers to develop their talent.

"There are not only entertainers in Bermuda, but a lot of individuals working overseas that have contacted us, not just from North America, but from Europe as well. It's really gripped people's imagination,'' said Mr. Allen.

The show is being promoted by Tourism and the BHA, but it is expected to be a profit-making venture that will pay for itself through ticket sales, said Mr.

Allen.

Producers and performers are invited to submit costed plans for the show to the Ministry of Tourism by February 23.

The show, which will include more than just music and "include a variety of local cultural forms,'' will run from May to October and be marketed by Tourism.

Mr. Allen said the hotels had already given indications they will strongly back the show.

No specific venues have been chosen because it will be for the promoters to come up with ideas.

Mr. Allen continued: "For at least ten years, most people, local and visitors alike, have agreed that the availability of entertainment in Bermuda leaves a great deal to be desired.

"Entertainment is such an important part of the vacation experience - particularly the kind of vacation that we are marketing - that as we revitalise the tourism industry, a revitalised entertainment industry must be part of the package.

"This is unprecedented and I hope people seize the moment because it's a great opportunity.'' He said he did not want to put promoters "in a box'' by being too specific about the parameters, but it would have to have an Island theme and include several cultural forms.

BHA President Billy Griffith said: "We are very excited by this initiative.

"Most of our properties are in the process of revamping for the new season and one thing coming out of visitor exit surveys is a question of entertainment.

TOURISM TOU