the Island, is due to open later this month.

J.B. Productions, the brain-child of theatre veterans Carol and Ian Birch, is to set up shop at Club 21 in Dockyard.

"This is really a community effort! We're working in conjunction with the Frog & Onion, Beethoven's and Pirate's Landing which will offer dinner packages of meal and theatre ticket for set prices,'' says Mr. Birch. "Carol and I have been involved in the theatre here for 20 years now and we decided to start our own company''.

Initially, the projected summer season of comedy presentations will be limited to two nights a month. "If it does well, we will extend that. Carol West of the Frog & Onion, has been a big force behind our plans because she is dedicated to getting people to visit Dockyard.'' The first production will be a repeat of Carol Birch's acclaimed solo performance in Willy Russell's `Shirley Valentine', directed by her husband.

The month of May will be devoted to the "rip-roaring'' English comedy `Monty Python'-type comedy revue, and featuring the work of such writers as John Cleese, Michael Palin, Ronnie Barket and Ronnie Corbett. American playwright Norm Foster's comedy `Wrong for Each Other', is the June offering, with `One For The Road' slated for July. Some of Bermuda's best known actors will be taking part, says Mr. Birch.

Paying tribute to the encouragement and help the fledgling company has received from Wedco, Mr. Birch says they are also heartened by the interest shown by such neighbouring cottage colonies and guests houses as Lantana Colony Club and Cambridge Beaches: "Because we start our shows at 9 p.m. they have time to serve their dinners and are providing packages that will include transport to and from the theatre.'' It is all part of the push, he emphasises, to make Dockyard into a well-rounded location that offers entertainment by night as well as by day.

The new company is also grateful to The Arts Centre: "They are very kindly taking our bookings!'' Confident that the scheme will also bring added business to the Club 21, J.B.

Productions is also available for performances at other venues in the West End and, indeed, throughout the Island. "All the hotels are keen on these interactive `murder' investigation plays, and we have already done two of these at Flanagan's Pub and have been invited to the Dinghy Club to do one of these and also to present our four plays there. We think there's very big interest in theatre as after-dinner entertainment. Fortunately,'' adds Mr.

Birch, "our theatre equipment is mobile so it is an easy operation to take our productions to various locations.'' Much of the success of their venture depends, they believe, on increased access and mobility in the Dockyard area. J.B. Productions have joined the already vocal throng of businesses and cultural institutions who are demanding evening ferry services. "This,'' says Mr. Birch, "really would encourage people to make a night of it in the West End. What could be nicer than a nice dinner, followed by a good comedy, that starts and ends with a ferry-ride through our beautiful islands? We are all hoping that the situation will improve this summer.'' The supper theatre, entitled `Dockyard Dining and Drama' will take place (initially) one weekend each month, commencing with `Shirley Valentine' on Friday, April 17 and Saturday, April 18. The complete dinner and theatre package ($49) is available at the Frog & Onion, Pirate's Landing or Beethoven's Restaurant, commencing at 6.30 and 7 p.m. Club 21 doors open at 8.30 p.m. for show time at 9 p.m. (theatre admission only is $20). For reservations, telephone the Arts Centre at 234-2809.