the constraints of your wallet, consider a gift certificate to Kidfest Bermuda. Offering four programmes especially designed for kids, the hour-long shows bring to the stage the best of theatre, puppetry, mime, storytelling, dance and music, according to organiser Paula Maguire. "It's a gift that lasts a lifetime,'' she said. "When the toys are broken, or they've grown out of that pair of pants, it's still a memory. It's something which will give the children of Bermuda a global perspective. And what better way than through the performing arts?'' Part of the idea behind the annually-held shows, said Mrs.

Maguire, is to help Bermuda develop its own theatre arts community through exposure to the endless possibilities of the creative mind. "By encouragement, support and education, we can instill a real interest in the performing arts at an early age, thereby enabling us to invest in Bermuda's future -- its youth...The versatility of these shows will have an appeal to young and old alike with the hope of promoting quality family time.'' Suited to all ages, the first is to be held January 12th at the Southampton Princess.

`The Suzy & Uncle Joe Family Show', promises that "children will love this show, howling an bouncing with laughter as Suzy pushes the boundaries of Uncle Joe's tolerance.'' `Janjungo Ba', suited to children from age six and up, opens February 2 at Warwick Secondary. This group of American and African artists, known as Marang, boast performances characterised by "joy and vitality, thrilling acrobatics, stilts, masquerade, magical sounds of the Balafon and Kora, and the joyful songs of celebration from across the Gold Kingdom and the Mali Empire of French West Africa. In `Pinocchio', running March 1st and 2nd at City Hall, surrealistic imagery, potent music, clever special effects and athletic movement combine into a unique theatrical brew.

Performing their own version of Carlo Collodi's `Pinocchio', Robert Desrosiers' Dance Theatre is designed to be enjoyed by all ages. Completing the event on March 23 is `Celery Stalks at Midnight', designed for those between the ages of four and ten years old. A musical variety, it showcases a collection of Big Band classics from the '30's and '40's as well as the witty compositions of the show's creator, Al Simmons. "As there's no specific seating, people can buy them as a Christmas gift and add more tickets at a later date,'' explained Mrs. Maguire. "It's the kind of present that's always going to fit and it's a good thing for parents and children to do together.

They can each enjoy it at their own level but they can laugh together and have One child's imagination...

in theatre, they in turn can recognise their own potential and demand excellence from the rest of their lives. Not every child in the audience will want to perform, but it starts with one child's imagination triggered off by something wonderful such as this. Eventually, I'm hoping to see performance groups from Bermuda touring the world but outside of that, it's a good thing for parents and children to do together.'' The performances, suitable for children from three years old, also pack an educational message, said Mrs.

Maguire. "International performance groups introduce children to the diverse culture and traditions of people with whom we share our world, resulting in global awareness and a greater tolerance and respect for one another. My hope is to present theatre that will entertain, educate and excite one of the most complex and challenging audiences in the world -- our children.'' Tickets for the event are on sale for $15 at The Bookmart, located in the upper level of the Phoenix Centre on Reid Street in Hamilton. PHOTO Kidfest entertainer, Al Simmons Kidfest performers, Desrosiers Dancer Theatre