Panto in Malta is not only a big deal, but it’s also inextric-ably linked to Christmas time and to children.

Or is it? Traditionally, panto also includes a fair amount of subtle humour aimed at adults. Little jibes here and there that fly over the kiddies heads and make the parents giggle. The grown-ups love this, but there are always very obvious lines which cannot be crossed. After all, panto is a children’s show, first and foremost. Right?

Not necessarily. Welcome to Puss in Boots, an adult panto with all the fun of the traditional show, but with all the nasty bits (and more) left in. The story centres around the marvellous Puss. Her master, little Joseph, is a confused lad who dreams of making it big in musical theatre. Then there is his mum, our outrageous dame is on a frantic mission to make some money by any means possible.

Add a lustful and gambling king, an innocent little princess, a wicked baddie with a plan, the world’s most famous sidekick and a script that celebrates silliness and bad taste and you have director and writer Steve Hili’s Puss in Boots.

With a cast featuring some of the top comedic talent on the island, Puss in Boots is being produced by Revolt, the team behind Romeo and Juliet 2 (and a Zombie), Sex Confessions of a Maltese Man and Adam and Eve… and Kevin, as well as The Chicken Coop Stand-up Comedy Club.

Puss In Boots runs between Friday and next Sunday at 8pm at the MADC Clubrooms, St Venera.

www.madc.com.mt