‘It’s behind you!’ - 10 reasons to love the Manoel Theatre’s Christmas panto

For many families in Malta, Christmas just isn’t Christmas without gathering the kids and the grown-ups together and heading to Teatru Manoel to enjoy a traditional pantomime. This year at Malta’s national theatre, panto-lovers are in for a magical treat as FM Theatre Productions is back with the wonderful tale of Sleeping Beauty. Here’s 10 reasons why we love the Christmas panto at the Manoel Theatre.

1.  A classic story, retold

In this rip-roaring panto fairy-tale, the beautiful Princess Aurora is cursed as a baby by the evil Fairy, Maleficent. Join the adventures of Prince Charming and a whole cast of colourful characters, as they fight Maleficent to break her evil spell once and for all.  

2.  A historic theatre

There’s nowhere more enchanting to watch a magical fairy-tale brought to life than in one of Europe’s oldest and most beautiful theatres. What’s more, the theatre’s intimate layout is ideal for audience participation… it’s behind you!

3.  A larger-than-life dame

Every traditional pantomime must have a Dame – and who better than panto veteran Edward Mercieca, who returns for Sleeping Beauty as Dame Nanna Kola.

4.  A dastardly villain

The brilliant Tezara Camilleri will be the incomparably evil Maleficent, arguably the best and most memorable panto villain that ever was.

5.  A hilarious clown

Alongside the Panto Dame there must always be a hilarious sidekick, and in Sleeping Beauty another panto stalwart, Chiara Hyzler, will dish out extra laugh-out-loud slapstick as the adorable Muddles.

6.  A beautiful princess and handsome prince

No classic tale of good versus evil is complete without a beautiful Princess, played by Raquel Theuma, and a dashing Prince Charming, played by Gianni Selvaggi.

7.  A fantastic cast

Supporting the action-packed adventure will be a wonderfully talented cast of Fairies, Henches, Kings and Queens played by Rambert Attard, Analise Cassar, Antonella Mifsud, Nicole Cassar & Maria Cassar amongst others.

8.  A top production company

As well as producing numerous pantos over previous years, FM Theatre Productions is the same company behind this year’s sell-out successes of My Fair Lady and Mamma Mia. What’s more, top local director Chris Gatt and musical director Kris Spiteri are also on board for Sleeping Beauty.

9.  A top-class panto spectacular

Today’s best pantos always include superb production values, breath-taking singing and dancing, colourful costumes, spectacular sets and innovative special effects. Here again Sleeping Beauty won’t disappoint, in a very exciting, fast-paced, all-singing-all-dancing, comedic spectacular for audiences young and old!

10.  Family-friendly performances

With a whopping 20 performances to choose from between 23 December and 6 January, and shows at both 3pm and 8pm on most days, you and your family are sure to find a showtime to suit your busy festive schedule! With tickets starting at just €20, not to mention an early bird 10% discount for bookings made before 30 November, the whole family can enjoy the wonder of Sleeping Beauty this Christmas.