FM Theatre’s Sleeping Beauty takes to the Teatru Manoel stage in just one week but, for the people who bring you the panto, Christmas starts much earlier on in the year.
“It all starts with the title,” explains FM Theatre’s Luke Mercieca. “Choosing a title is the first pivotal step in producing a pantomime, as this determines the tone of the show, and every other step that follows.” Although there’s no standard way for selecing a title for this intimate, expressive and humorous genre, FM Theatre has mastered the craft of adapting traditional fairy tales for their Christmas panto. Next, it’s all hands on deck!
After creating a synopsis and an adventurous storyline, it’s time to write the script. “We like to play to the strengths of our expressive, fun and energetic cast,” says Mr Mercieca. “So that always helps to unerpin what’s written – and of course Edward Merceice brings years of experience to this aspect.”
Beyond that, the dedicated choir has been rehearsing since mid-October, with intense rehearsals for the main cast having kicked-in during November. The music for the panto is selected to include a mix of pop songs, musical theatre tracks and classic tunes. Costume design coordinator Denise Mulholland also shares her ideas for the colour schemes and style of the panto to make it as fun and creative as possible.
For Mercieca, the best part of the process is seeing everybody’s hard work gelling together during the . “At one point during a rehearsal, you realise that the ideas we had in our heads are flourishing on stage. That, and of course, receiving our first feedback from the audience after opening night, are among my top panto moments!”.
Sleeping Beauty is being staged at Teatru Manoel at 3pm and 8pm on 23, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 December and 2, 3, 5 January. There will be another show on 4 January at 8pm and on 6 January at 3pm. Tickets are available from www.teatrumanoel.com.mt.