Gappetto, a bachelor and skilled carpenter who lives on his own and desired some companionship, carves a mannequin – the famous Pinocchio.

And so the opportunity to create a sizzling Christmas pantomime is born, this time put on by Teatru Rjal at the Catholic Institute. Pinocchio will be staged for the last time in three performances over the weekend.

The plot in this version of the tale involves a host of new characters, such as the good fairy who fulfils Gappetto’s wish and the evil witch who engages Pussy and Wolf to kidnap Pinocchio so they can use the wood he is made of.

Their aim is to win the power station contract by providing wood that can never burn out – since the puppet was created by the magic of the good fairy.

Jazz, the fortune teller, reveals the plan to burn Pinocchio, and Gappetto, with the help of the good fairy, tries to free the puppet. But it comes at a price.

Toni Busuttil as Dame Roxanne, and Snits as Pinocchio, head the cast, which includes other popular names such as Ina Robinich, Brian Farrugia, Simon Curmi, J Anvil, Felix Busuttil, Julie Pomorski, Guido Fenech, Franky Borg, Alan Falzon and Bernice Darmanin.

The live band is directed by Abigail Brown, choreography is by Felix Busuttil of Yada Dance Company, and the director is Ray Abdilla. Together they make sure the evening is full of colour and laughter.

The last performances are on Saturday at 7pm and Sunday at 2pm and 6.30pm. Tickets can be obtained from the bar and booking office of the Catholic Institute all day, on tel: 2123 8428 and 9947 6468 or online from www.kumpanijateatrurjal.com or www.istitutkattoliku.com.