sell-out routine at a top hotel.

But fans of madcap comedian Jimmy Keyes will still be able to catch their hero in the act after he signed a new three-year contract with a rival resort.

Mr. Keyes, who has been performing regularly at the Southampton Princess Hotel for the last five years, has now been signed up by the management of the Elbow Beach resort.

And from March he'll be appearing at Hamilton's Surf Club on Front Street for five nights a week.

Mr. Keyes will still be performing at the Southampton Princess until the end of the year. He then has a two month break from his busy schedule while the Surf Club venue is revamped.

The comedian, whose show is regularly sold out, has promised that he will have some fresh material to keep the audiences laughing when he starts at the new venue.

"I thought that, after five years it was time for a move,'' Mr. Keyes said.

"I also wanted to move back into town, which is where I first began performing back in 1983.

"At the Surf Club I hope I will be able to bring in more locals and also more tourists. We also want to develop the cruise ship line as well.

"It's going to be a fun place to work and I'm very relaxed about it. I think Elbow are doing some very innovative things.

"Although we're still going to have some guest acts there is going to be a lot of changes to the show with a lot of new stuff. There will also be better lighting and sound systems.

"I'm still under contract with the Southampton Princess until the end of the year. We have a good relationship and it's been great but it's time to make a move and I have always wanted to move back into town.'' Elbow manager Bill Shoaf said: "We're delighted to have Jimmy join us -- he's clearly the best act on the Island and one of the best attractions.'' KEYES TO SUCCESS -- Comic Jimmy Keyes is on a high after signing a new three year contract with Elbow Beach managing director Bill Shoaf.

ENTERTAINMENT ENT