They were one of the best acts of Kidfest '94 and now, by popular demand, they are back again to entertain Bermuda's children.

The Maritime Marionettes, who played to sold-out houses with their enchanting version of `Rumpelstiltskin,' will perform the story of `Molly and the Oak Island Treasure' at the Palm Reef Hotel this weekend.

This is the fourth in a series of six productions for Kidfest, a special children's theatre festival and the brainchild of Mrs. Paula Maguire. Rather modestly, she says her job is merely "to put the children together with the artists.'' This she has done for the past two years, earning widespread praise for the educational as well as the entertainment value of the shows she has produced.

"My aim in to bring the best in puppetry, mime, music, dance and story-telling to Bermuda. I'm doing this for Bermuda's children,'' she exclaims. "I formed the production company as a business so that I have artistic control of my vision of what children's theatre should be. All I want to do is cover my expenses. These are quite high if you're going to bring in the best, and really widen these children's horizons. I also realise that it takes a few years to get on your feet, and I have to do this through ticket sales.'' A highly successful former dancer herself, Mrs. Maguire no more fits the stereotyped image of a `showbiz' personality than those she brings to the Island: of all those who, for one reason or another, decide to carve out a career `on the boards,' children's theatre tends to attract some of the best -- and nicest -- talent. While probably not the fastest route to thespian fame and fortune, those who opt for it are almost always there because, like Paula Maguire, they really do believe in what they see as an important cause.

As she puts it, "I want to make a difference to the lives of Bermuda's children, and I believe that theatre is one of the best ways of doing this.

The shows I have chosen are entertaining, often beautiful, funny or sometimes even sad in places, but they all have one thing in common: the messages are to make all children feel better about themselves and to cross all boundaries of race and class.'' Warming to her theme, Mrs. Maguire, who is the mother of two small children, says, "Society everywhere seems to have got away from the little parables that help us to live a good life. For instance, `Molly and the Oak Island Treasure,' is a parable about self-discovery. The characters are searching the seas for a hidden treasure and when they eventually find it, realise that they themselves are the treasure!'' Described by the Calgary Herald as being "so splendidly choreographed, it could almost be a ballet,'' the Marionettes feature brilliantly lit, life-like puppets.

The talents who literally pull the strings belong to Heather and Darryll Taylor who, ever since 1984, have been entertaining young (and not so young) audiences across Canada.

Performing in both English and French, they have appeared at most major festivals and, in recognition of their work, have received assistance from the Education Department of Nova Scotia.

Heather, who has a degree in French from Acadia University, went on to study theatre, art and design, while Darryll's background as a farrier and carpenter goes some way in explaining the realistic appearance of the wooden marionettes. They furthered their studies at the National Marionette Theatre in Hartford, Connecticut. Since forming their own Maritime Marionettes they have acquired a national reputation.

The Maritime Marionettes will be performing on Saturday, February 11 and Sunday, February 12, at 1 and 3 p.m. each day. Tickets are $12 ($16 for adults) and may be obtained from Pirates' Port on Queen Street, and from the Toy Department of the Phoenix Centre this Friday. Tickets may also be reserved in advance by calling 236-1085.

MARIONETTES FROM THE MARITIMES -- Back by popular demand are the Maritime Marionettes, making their second appearance at Kidfest this weekend. Shown are some of the characters from this year's tale, "Molly and the Oak Island Treasure.''