two of Bermuda's brightest stars as they engage in this entertaining war of wits between a university professor and an attractive young hairdresser, who prevails on him to give her the "education'' of the title.

"It's been a wonderful experience, rehearsing this play with Helen who, incidentally, is absolutely wonderful as Rita,'' says Richard Fell. "The comedy is set in the '70s but it is really a modern-day `Pygmalion' where this ageing academic undertakes the education of a working-class woman. He transforms her from a `diamond-rough' little hairdresser into someone who can hold her own, academically, with his friends -- and with him -- and then, he realises he doesn't like what he has created. Rita becomes more and more erudite and he gets more and more jealous as he drinks his way through the play. It's been a difficult script to learn, especially for Helen as she has screeds to say, but it's very, very funny, and I think -- and hope -- that the audience will love it.'' "Educating Rita'', a two-hander first produced by the Royal Shakespeare Company, was subsequently made into a very successful film with Rita Tushingham and Michael Caine. Willy Russell, who also wrote Jabulani's other current comedy hit, "Shirley Valentine'', as well as the musical, "Blood Brothers'', has run into some flak from the more militant women's groups for what they feel is his politically incorrect attitude to the feminist cause.

Audiences, however, invariably rave over these hit plays which, from a production viewpoint, have certainly not dated.

This production is directed by Annette Hallett who, says Mr. Fell has done a "wonderful job.

"She has amazing insight into the characters and we've all had a lot of fun.

Marshall DeCouto is her assistant and it's been interesting to have someone who, as a professional photographer, has such a meticulous eye.'' Mr. Fell says that while this play is "a laugh a minute'', it is not a farce.

"I think it makes a change from pants falling down and cream pies in the face kind of entertainment. It makes a good alternative to other productions in this season's repertoire.'' "Educating Rita'', produced by Dusty Hind, opens tomorrow, May 1 and runs through Saturday evening, and will play again next week for four nights from Wednesday, May 7 through 10, commencing at 9 p.m. each evening in the Gazebo Room of the Princess Hotel.

EDUCATING RITA -- Helen Coffey and Richard Fell in a scene from Jabulani Repertory Company's production of the hit comedy, "Educating Rita'' which opens at the Princess Hotel tomorrow.