ONE of Bermuda's favourite entertainers, Jimmy Keys is set to return to the island for a one-night performance on New Year's Eve.

The piano-playing comedian spent 13 years here, much to the delight of locals and tourists who regularly attended his shows at the Henry VIII pub and restaurant and the Southampton Princess Hotel.

He returns to the Mid-Ocean Amphitheatre at the Fairmont Southampton on December 31 as the featured entertainer in a two-hour show.

Speaking from the United States this week, Mr. Keys said he was eager to return to the island for several reasons.

"I lived there for many, many years and it's got a lot of great memories for me," he explained. "I just love the island and ? I think ? I've still got a number of friends there."

He first arrived in Bermuda on a one-month contract in the 1980s, having developed his skills as a piano player and a comedian through work with several groups and then as a solo act.

Said a spokesperson for Mr. Keys of the island's impact on his work: "Since then he has developed a very unique and highly entertaining musical and comedy act. He's a cross between Elton John ? in that he sings and plays the piano ? and Robin Williams ? in that his comedy is off-the-wall. His show is packed with comedy, visual musical impressions and favourite Broadway songs, wrapped around some of the most exciting piano playing and audience participation that you will ever witness.

"This music and comedy show really evolved in Bermuda between the mid-80s to the year 2000, when Jimmy was very famous on the island. For five years he was the resident manic entertainer at the world famous Henry VIII pub, where he built a huge following. From 1994 to 1999 he became the main headliner at the Southampton Princess Hotel and was a firm favourite with locals and tourists from all over the world."

The comedian has returned to the island for a few performances since his departure, mainly for private events.

"Bermuda is a very special place for me," he said in explaining why he loved to return. "I played six nights a week, two times a night, ten months of the year, for 13 years ? you can imagine how many people saw me perform in Bermuda. Tourists who came every year or two, would make a point of seeing me. They even put me in travel guide as a Bermuda attraction. It was great. I was sad to leave but it was time to move on.

"I was in Aruba two days ago, the people were nice, but the beauty was nothing compared to the beauty of Bermuda. And I thought New Year's would be a great night to return especially as I'll be performing in a great room at the Southampton Princess."

Those who opt to attend the performance will not be disappointed. According to Mr. Keys, he has refined his act somewhat to accommodate the American sense of humour. However his bite is still the same.

"My pub days were great but I don't play in bars anymore," he said. "People who have seen me perform will be able to tell I've changed my show. Because I do a lot of work in the States, I've had to adapt my humour quite a bit. But obviously in Bermuda there were a lot of tourists who saw me so it hasn't changed that much.

"I've opened for some big names ? for singers Willie Nelson, Tom Jones, Huey Lewis & the News, Wynona Judd. Next year I'm doing a show in Toronto for 1,200 people, but Bermuda's always in my heart. I hope a lot of people come out. It's a two-hour show and should be a great night."

Mr. Keys will perform at the Fairmont Southampton Theatre in the Mid Ocean Amphitheatre. Tickets are $199 per person and include cocktails, dinner, the Jimmy Keys show and a disco. For reservations, telephone 238-8000 ext.6276.