In his opening address, Mr Kenely said the past year had presented challenges some of which required urgent attention. Mr Kenely expressed his satisfaction on the current restoration projects, a due process of consolidation that the theatre has been going through and the appointment of a general manager, Lino Mintoff, a few weeks ago.

Mr Kenely outlined the large capital projects the theatre is currently involved in, citing the installation of a lift from the courtyard to Sala Isouard, the restoration of the theatre and also the complete revamp of backstage facilities. He said it was heartening to note that these projects were mostly financed by the private sector and from the theatre’s reserves. Mr Kenely said the theatre will remain open to patrons throughout the restoration projects, concluding that the season’s programme is definitely one to be proud of.

Artistic Director Tony Cassar Darien outlined the requirements when organising a qualitative programme. He said the theatre is a place where no part of the public should be excluded from, adding that the roster of artists who have visited and performed at the theatre is proof of the high standards of excellence to which this programme aspires.

Mr Cassar Darien then focused on the “nursery” side of the Manoel Theatre listing such important artistic events like Poezijaplus, Loggiapalk and Windows on Music which are now part of the standard repertoire in the Manoel season. He referred to the festival aspect of the theatre – the Baroque Festival in May and the Opera Festival in March, the latter with Malta’s own internationally established tenor Joseph Calleja in the title role.

Mr Cassar Darien also mentioned the new series that were included in the programme such as the Spotlight series, which this year is devoted to William Shakespeare. This new feature will focus on a particular artistic figure and all the myths and mysteries associated it are disseminated through discussion and analysis, Mr Cassar Darien said.

As for the programme itself, the artistic director waxed lyrical on the high quality musical and drama feast the theatre is offering its patrons. He made particular emphasis on the world renowned productions of Hamlet and Sherlock Holmes in the drama section and the impressive roster of solo musicians such as the celebrated violinist Massimo Quarta. Concluding, Mr Cassar Darien said that a theatre was all about discovery and there was definitely something for everyone this time round.

Minister for Arts and Culture, Dr Francis Zammit Dimech paid tribute to all those who had worked tirelessly to put up such a richly varied and diverse programme – surely one of the most successful ever. He said the Manoel Theatre was now regarded as a complex whose various ancillary activities create an atmosphere of life and activity. The Minister made particular reference to the stellar performance of Gounod’s Romeo and Juliet with the Calleja’s in the title roles and wished the whole venture every success.