Popeye will be the leading man in this year’s pantomime by the Teatru Rjal, which is promising yet another evening of entertainment and laughter for the whole family at the Catholic Institute in Floriana. Popeye u l-Pastizzi ta’ l-Ispinaci promises to be yet another spectacle of fantasy, singing and dancing on the same lines of other pantomimes presented by the company in past years. Work on the performances started months ago and everything is ready for the first performance tomorrow at 4.00pm.

The 60-strong cast is led by Hector Bruno and includes Ronald Briffa, Leontine, Brian Farrugia, Ina Robinich, Laura Bruno, Rodney Gauci, Louis Gatt, Eileen Micallef, Daniel Testa, Donha Marie Ellul and Rachel Cassar among others. Choreography is by Mariosa Pavia and directed by Anthony Ellul. As in previous years, the live band will be directed by Neville Gatt. Further performances are on December 23 at 6 pm, December 26 (Boxing Day at 2.30 and 7.30 p.m., December 27, 28 and 29 at 7 p.m., December 30 at 2 and 6.30 p.m. More performances will be held on January 1 at 6.30 pm, January 4 at 7.30 pm, January 5 at 7 p.m. and January 6 at 2 and 6.30 p.m.

The tickets prices are Lm3.50 (e8.15), Lm4 (e9.32), Lm4.50 (e10.48), Lm4.75 (e11.06) and Lm5.15 (e12).

Booking is open at Pawlu Testa Travel of Guardamangia (2122-3340 or 2722-3340), the Catholic Institute Booking Office (2123-8429), the Catholic Institute bar (2124-2551), Carmen Azzopardi of Rabat (2145-4836) and Tereza Bazaar of Zabbar (2189-2730).