From the moment that Melissa Gardner walked into second grade "looking like the lost princess of Oz'', she and her classmate Andrew M. Ladd III began their long and, in its way, faithful correspondence. The secret notes passed to and fro in class were to evolve into a mountain of letters that spanned more than 50 years. And it is these letters, read aloud to the audience, that provide the format for an unusually absorbing play.

"Love Letters'' gives Bermuda audiences the chance to see yet another play by that gifted American playwright A.R. Gurney. Earlier this year, Theatre Express staged "The Dining Table'' and it is interesting to note that Gurney has brought off a real tour de force in both plays, using an interchangeable cast reflecting the lives of several generations in one instance and in "Love Letters'', going to the extreme opposite by concentrating events solely around two people.

This beautifully crafted play, whose bitter-sweet theme is artfully wrapped in the guise of comedy, was chosen by Steve Dudden as his directorial debut. It presents quite a challenge, as for the duration of the entire play, two characters sit and read the script, attempting to hold the attention of the audience without resorting to movement, or indeed, any other normal theatrical ruse.

That the play triumphantly succeeded is a tribute not only to the superior quality of writing, but also to Dudden's sensitive, yet confident direction, some stunning lighting effects by Peter Woodhouse, and perhaps, most of all, to Dudden's good fortune in securing Connie Dey and Peter Woolcock for the roles of Melissa and Andy.

Once again, the sheer professionalism attained by this duo reminds us of the very high calibre of acting talent that abounds on this Island.

Connie Dey, of course, is well known to local audiences, but it was good to see her, after too long an absence, in a play of real substance. Blessed with a resonant but melodious voice, she brought an understated technical brilliance to this role which had to range from that of a rebellious child through to a woman of equally rebellious middle age.

She was greatly assisted by Peter Woolcock, better known as The Royal Gazette's popular cartoonist, and now revealing formidable thespian talent.

Although Mr. Woolcock won several awards as an amateur actor some 20 years ago in England, this was a long-awaited but thrilling Bermuda debut.

His slightly pompous demeanour was belied by a delightfully wry streak of humour, thus providing the perfect foil for the extrovert and misunderstood Melissa.

How well they complemented each other, this seemingly mismatched pair who nevertheless mirrored the subtle yet potentially deadly flaws of upbringing and social mores amongst America's rich elite.

There are some very funny lines in this play that will strike a chord of familiarity for most of the audience, with its references to school and college life. Andrew Ladd's climb up the greasy ladder of political fame also brings a comical note of topicality in this US election year.

"Love Letters'' provides an evening of entertainment that is at once eloquently witty -- and guaranteed to bring a tear to the eye.

PATRICIA CALNAN Mrs. Connie Dey Mr. Peter Woolcock.