BY ALBERT KRAMBERGER

editor@transcontinental.ca

Wondering if your children are ready for the theatre? Well, Hudson Village Theatre's traditional British pantomime, a holiday favourite, is a good place to start.

Melanie Doerr, who directs The Emperor's New Clothes for 14 shows, starting from last Friday until Jan. 6, says pantomime is family-style entertainment which features everything from audience participation, bad puns to songs.

"It's a great entry for kids to have their first theatre experience," Doerr said. "They don't have to sit quietly."

The show, double cast, has an ensemble of about 40 people with 23 in each show. Performers in the show range in age from six to 70 and include multiple family members.

"It's fun to see the kids blossom on stage," Doerr said, adding they started rehearsing twice a week in September and then even more earnestly heading to the opening performance last Friday.

This year's show, set to a 'groovy' 1970s theme, revolves around vain Emperor Montague Preen who is obsessed with clothes but whose vanity has annoyed a fashion designer who sets out to humiliate him and relieve him of his fortune.

"It's very humorous with silly jokes," Doerr said.

Tickets for The Emperor's New Clothes are $17.

For more information, call the box office at 450-458-5361 or check www.villagetheatre.ca.