When did you become part of the MADC?
I moved to Malta 22 years ago, in 1996. I then joined the MADC during the One Act Play Festival in a production called 'The Fat Lady Sings at Little Grimley' and I had so much fun that I auditioned for the panto that year and was cast as one of the fairies. The rest, is history!
What are some of your favourite activities in Malta?
I love living in St Julian's because I can walk along the front almost every day, especially during the summer. I take my Kindle along, find a good place to settle down and read. It's brilliant!
The concept of panto has become a yearly tradition for many people in Malta. Why do you think that it has such wide appeal?
I think that panto has become a Christmas tradition for so many families because there's something for everyone. Children enjoy the magic, adults understand the humour and everyone has fun with the games and the music. It's one of the few theatre events that doesn't just target one demographic, but can be entertaining for every member of the family in some way.
Having said that, being a part of someone else's Christmas tradition is a responsibility. You have to make sure that they enjoy it as much as you did when you watched it as a child. The children, especially, want to believe in the magic so it's so very important that we do a great job. No other show carries that weight behind it, so even though it's a lot of fun, it's a lot of work as well to make sure that everyone has an amazing experience.
What would you say to anyone considering coming to see Jack and the Beanstalk?
Come! Enjoy! It has singing, dancing, games, jokes, giants! There's a fabulous dame, an amazing principal boy and girl, a creepy baddie, two hilarious minions, a lovely fairy (that's me!), an impressive chorus and even a puppet! It's one of the best pantos that I've ever been in and I've had a lot to compare it with. I always look forward to meeting the children after the performance and seeing their faces light up. It's a great feeling to talk to them when they really believe that you are the character you are playing. It's just wonderful!
Catch Katherine in the MADC's Jack and the Beanstalk at the MFCC Ta' Qali on 23, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 December 2018 and 3, 4, 5 January 2019 at 7.30 pm. There will also be matinee performances at 3pm on 26, 29, 30 December 2018.
Booking is now open at www.madc.com.mt or [email protected] and collected from the booking office at MFCC from one hour before the show. Tickets start from only €10. Tickets are also available at €18, €23 and €26 with reduced rates for children aged 3-11. Children aged 2 and under enter FREE with a toddler ticket but must have a reserved seat with parents/guardians