Worn out, so she says, by 21 years of working as an occupational therapist at St. Brendan's, she felt she deserved a rest. Then she had an idea which wouldn't let go, an idea which she simply refers to as "a vision from God''.

As a result, her ambitious scheme has seen the re-opening of one of the Island's oldest -- and largest -- theatres and, at the same time, injected some much needed life into the entertainment scene at the East End.

Frustrated, she says, not so much by the fact that there is so little for the young people of St. George's to do, as by "the leaders'' who "talk and talk about improving things for children but never actually do anything,'' she decided to do something herself.

Now she is hoping that the political and community leaders who constantly complain that "nothing is done for St. George's'' will support her in her solo effort. To date, she says, the only official encouragement she has received was a "congratulations'' from the floor of the House from the St.

George's MP and "Mayor Henry Hayward who did come to see one of the movies and shook my hand and wished me well.'' Taking out a seven-year lease from the Pride of India Lodge, on the old movie theatre in St. George's, Mrs. Swan then spent about a year, "coping with red-tape'' and renovating and modernising the interior of the building. Before Mrs. Swan took over, the building was being used as a church but, she says, "with a congregation of only two people.'' Now, it has reverted to its original use as a movie theatre.

In November, she opened up for business, and has so far managed to stick to her decision to concentrate, not necessarily on the big `block- busters', but on what she calls "art'' films (the opening movie was Kenneth Branagh and Emma Thompson's unexpectedly popular version of Shakespeare's `Much Ado About Nothing') and movies that are suitable for children. So far, her list of attractions has been impressive -- `Water for Chocolate', `Remains of the Day', and `Sister Act II', to name but some.

Frequently, Mrs. Swan will show a children's matinee programme which is quite separate from the evening attraction. And although she has her own New York agent who secures all her films for her, she occasionally takes a "second run'' of a movie already shown in Hamilton. This is the case at the moment, as her current film is `Sugar Hill'.

Mrs. Swan agrees that re-runs of old, classic films would also be a popular move, but says that this option has been virtually removed since television cable companies, such as HBO and Show Time have been buying up many of the movie rights for exclusive viewing: "I couldn't even get `The Crying Game' or `Lawrence of Arabia', because once they're snapped up as videos, we aren't allowed to show them.'' Relying only on the help of her husband, Riddell's Bay golf pro Darron ("the best in Bermuda!''), Mrs. Swan has installed blocks of new seating, track lighting, new projector and platter, and acoustic-enhancing tiles. In addition, Planning Department requirements called for a new men's bathroom and, she is pleased to report, "the theatre is totally accessible to the handicapped, with five extrance/exits to the building itself as well as to bathrooms.

Mrs. Swan had Mr. Coolridge Thompson teach her the process of putting the movies together. They arrive from New York, usually in five or six reels that have to be spliced and then re-run on the new Alpha Platter system, a process that takes two or three hours.

Decorated in her favourite colours of the palest of pinks and dark purple, the foyer area completes the fun of a night out at the movies, with supplies of pop-corn, sodas and "loads of candies''. With a staff of two, The New Somers Playhouse is open seven nights a week, with some `PG' movies shown in the afternoons.

Mrs. Swan recognises that, in order for her "vision'' to become a reality, she will have to attract people from all over the Island.

"St. Georgians have been quite good, but there hasn't been much support from St. David's,'' comments the woman who is herself a St. David's Islander.

"I'm really hoping that Bermuda will support its community theatre. We get quite a few tourists, especially from the St. George Club, and a few locals are beginning to realise that a trip down to St. George's can be a nice day out. There is one couple who come regularly from Somerset, have a meal and then stay for the movie.'' But, she feels she has not received as much support as she had hoped -- particularly from the very people who have been clamouring for better quality, `artier' movies to be shown on the Island: "And a lot of people kept telling me, `I can't wait for you to open'. Well, I've been open, and haven't seen any of them yet!'' Many Bermudians will remember the days when drive-in movies were shown in the field next door. That area and the little open-air theatre (including stone roof complete with lights) is still there. If her venture is successful, Mrs.

Swan is hoping to explore the possibility of mounting shows there as well, with emphasis on children's theatre, such as puppet shows.

Future screenings include `Philadelphia', `On Deadly Ground', `Schindler's List' and the controversial `In the Name of the Father'.

PLAYING TONIGHT -- Mrs. Suzette Swan, pictured outside The New Somers Playhouse in St. George's. She hopes the whole of Bermuda will support her efforts to boost entertainment in the old town.