Tonight marks the launch of the 2007 Bermuda Festival, when funny man Ennio uses colourful and intricate paper costumes plus mime and humour to produce an hilarious evening?s entertainment for all ages.

Born Ennio Marchetto in Venice, Italy, his early inspirations came from Disney cartoons as he created cut-out dolls for his little sister. Later, influenced by the renowned Venice carnival, he made costumes and masks.

His first job, after leaving school in the 1980s, was in his father?s espresso machine repair shop. While there he daydreamed constantly of another life.

A vision of Marilyn Monroe in a paper costume immediately led to him making a costume of his own, which he used to entertain family, friends and people in the street during carnival time.

Over time, other paper characters followed, and Ennio began touring his act around Europe, taking first prize in a Bologna comedy festival in 1988.

The following year he began what would be a long collaboration with freelance fashion/costume designer Sosthen Hennekam.

A few months later, the duo had created enough costumes to do a one-hour show in and around Bologna, which became an instant hit, and led to TV appearances and shows elsewhere in Italy.

After agent Glynis Henderson saw a production on video in 1990, Ennio was invited to perform at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. In just two weeks, 18 new characters were created, including now favourites Queen/Freddie Mercury, Tina Turner, and the Venus de Milo.

Ennio became the cult hit of the Festival, after which things began to move very swiftly. Soon he was presenting shows elsewhere in Europe, Japan and the US.

Ennio and Sosthen were subsequently nominated for various show biz awards, and received the Garland 2000 ?Best Costume Design? award.

Ennio?s show has been touring the world for over 17 years. It has been seen in over 68 countries and by millions of people in theatres, TV shows, galas and open air summer festivals.

Now it is Bermuda?s turn to enjoy this original, and very clever, work of art. Through making faces, twisting of his body, and using paper costumes, Ennio transforms himself into a wide variety of characters, including rappers, pop icons and legendary dancers.

In all, there are about 50 characters in each performance, which is further enhanced by upbeat music and satirical humour. In all, festival organisers promise, a complex, witty and insightful experience not to be missed.

As with all 2007 Festival performances, Ennio appears at City Hall theatre. Evening performances tonight, tomorrow and on Saturday begin at 8 p.m., while Saturday?s matinee begins at 2 p.m.

Tickets: Adults $55, students $25. For availability check: Festival box office adjacent ferry terminal building, Front Street, 12 noon to 2 p.m. daily except Sunday. Phone bookings are accepted during box office hours: ( 296-5774. Website: www.bermudafestival.org.