Popeye leads the pantomime at the Catholic Institute

The final dress rehearsals for the panto at the Catholic Institute, in Floriana, were held yesterday and now all is set for the shows to begin tomorrow.

This year's panto - Popeye U l-Pastizzi Tal-Ispinaci - is bound to make a lot of politicians' ears twitch as Jose Micallef's script is full of jibes about them. TV presenters and other public personalities do not escape his wrath either.

Director Tony Ellul said that for the first time in the panto at the Catholic Institute there will be two dames: Hector Bruno and Ronald Briffa, who play the part of Popeye's and Olive Oil's mother respectively.

The Mater Dei Hosptal and any item that will be in the news between now and when the panto sees its last runs in January, is likely to get a mention too, Mr Ellul said.

The story revolves around Popeye and Olivia, who is stolen by Pluto and taken to another island, and Cetta, Popeye's mother who intevenes to help her son.

The set is designed by Marco Bartolo and music is under the direction of Neville Gatt.

The first performance is on Sunday at 4 p.m. followed by another on December 23, then every day from December 26 to 30. Other performances will be on January 1, 4, 5 and 6.

Tickets can be booked from the Catholic Institute or from Pawlu Testa Travel on 2122 3340.