Tickets go on sale today for what has been called a "magical journey for the entire family''.

This year's Christmas Pantomime, `Red Riding Hood', which opens on December 2, promises to be a musical, colourful, fun-filled show sure to entertain audiences of almost every age.

The Bermudian pantomime tradition began in 1966 with a production of `Sinbad the Sailor'.

Since then there have been 38 shows, including such classic childrens' fairytales as `Jack and the Beanstalk', `The Wizard of Oz', `Cinderella' and `Aladdin'.

But while most pantomimes have their roots in childrens' literature, fables and folk tales, Bermuda's productions are not just limited to young audiences.

The show's producer, Jane Correia, explained that `Red Riding Hood' follows the usual British pantomime formula, complete with a rather masculine dame, musical numbers and lots of interaction with the audience.

She advised that children under the age of three should not be brought to the show, "because there are some scary villains and quite a bit of use of special effects and strobe lights''.

But Ms Correia added: "Apart from that, `Red Riding Hood' will suit just about everybody's tastes.'' "We've included a lot of different styles of music to appeal to all types of people. For example the show begins with a rap number,'' she added.

Asked how preparations for opening night had gone, Ms Correia said: "When we started casting back in mid-October the response was overwhelming. We had over 120 people trying to get parts.'' "It was very difficult having to pick the few principle characters that we needed,'' she explained, "but of course the upside was that we had a lot of talent to choose from.'' "As a result, we have a very strong cast in terms of voices and in terms of acting.'' Writer and director Val Fitzpatrick, who has written six Bermudian pantomimes, explained that `Red Riding Hood' was "the story of the traditional fairy tale but with a twist added on to the end''.

"This is old-style pantomime at its very best and its aimed at an audience from three-years-old to 102-years-old,'' he said.

Mr. Fitzpatrick also testified to the show's universal appeal, saying: "We used a great variety of music covering the whole spectrum.'' "We've got everything from ballet to rap music to showtunes incorporated into a great show with lots of laughs'' he added.

Asked how he felt about the steadily approaching opening night, Mr.

Fitzpatrick was confident.

"We've got a marvellous cast and crew and, although we've got a lot of hard work to do between now and then, I'm sure we'll have a wonderful show ready in time.'' Stage manager Janice Duffy said: "The show is very traditional with a lot of singing, dancing and costumes.'' "It's going to be a great deal of fun for audiences, especially the kids,'' she added.

The untraditional pantomime set for "Red Riding Hood'' was designed by Richard Klesnicks.

Working on his first Christmas show, Mr. Klesnicks explained that his idea was "to give audiences a set they could relate to more.'' "Instead of having the usual old English village, I decided that we should have Bermudian style houses in pastel colours'' he said.

Mr. Klesnicks, who also helped build the set for this year's BMDS show `The Cherry Orchard', described the diversity of the set, explaining how the Bermudian village scene revolves on periactoids to become not only a forest, with cut out trees, but the inside of Granny's house, complete with a large fireplace and a king-size bed.

"I'm really pleased with the way the set has turned out,'' he continued, "and I would especially like to express my gratitude to all those who helped in putting it together. I really can't thank them enough.'' Mr. Klesnicks added: "You've got to come. It's going to be great fun, especially for the young ones.'' `Red Riding Hood', written and directed by Val Fitzpatrick, begins playing at City Hall Theatre on December 2 and runs until December 11.

Shows will begin at 7.30 p.m.

Matinee performances take place on December 4,5 and 11 beginning at 3 p.m.

Tickets for all performances are available at Daylesford Theatre box-office at $15 for matinees and $20 for regular showings.

Enjoying the magic: Two pantomime cast members take a well-earned rest and watch the show come together during yesterday's first rehearsal at the City Hall Theatre. On the left is Rheannon Moore, playing the title role in `Red Riding Hood', with Peter Hannicek who plays Simple Simon.

On your marks, get set, go: Set desinger Richard Kiesnicks puts the finishing touches to a piece of scenery.

THEATRE THR