PJ Xerxen’s dame woes Sean Briffa’s king in Puss in Boots.

Everyone knows that panto in Malta is a big deal. It is an annual appointment at Christmastime that delights the kids and allows audiences to bask in the glow of the season of goodwill.

However, adults who have ever gone to watch a panto know that there is always a fair amount of subtle humour aimed at the adults too: little jibes here and there that fly over the children’s heads and make the parents giggle. The grown-ups love this, but to their eternal disappointment there are always very obvious lines which cannot be crossed. After all, the panto is a kids’ show first and foremost.

Well. Not necessarily. Not this time!

Puss in Boots is an adult panto – all the fun of the traditional show, but with all the nasty bits (and more!) left in. It is being produced by Revolt – the team behind the fringe-style hits Romeo and Juliet 2 (and a Zombie), Sex Confessions of a Maltese Man, and Adam and Eve…and Kevin.

The story centres around the marvellous Puss, her master, little Joseph – a confused lad who dreams of making it big in musical theatre – and his mum, the outrageous dame, who is on a frantic mission to make some money by any means possible.

With a cast featuring some of the top comedic talent on the island and a script written (and directed) by comedian, radio presenter and bona-fide nutter Steve Hili, Puss in Boots will be the naughtiest thing to see this year.

• Puss in Boots is being staged at the MADC Clubrooms on August 29, 30 and 31 at 8pm. Tickets may be obtained by calling 9944 9161 or www.madc.com.mt.