The colourful children’s show Once Upon A Toy, which is being held at St James Cavalier, Valletta, during the Easter holidays, has a cast which, for most of the local population, are the actors who live in our living rooms at least once a week.

The Maltese enjoy watching a host of different local television series, which have made a number of today’s thespians gain popularity around the island. But apart from appearing on our television screens, what else do these actors work as? What other characters are they getting their teeth into?

In this particular original children’s show, a handful of these Maltese “soap stars” will be interacting together in front of a live audience.

The faces behind the toys that Curtain Raiser Theatre Troupe will proudly present between 8 and 15 April are, at the top of the list, the toy soldier, who is also the director and producer of both this show and the company. Having been a professional actor for a number of years, Patrick Vella was first seen on our television screens as the money wheeler and dealer of television on the popular series Simpatici.

There is Neville Refalo, from a number of different shows and song festivals around the island. The troll character that Neville is portraying actually works for Hitch the Witch in the musical.

Named after the famous flower “Narcisa”, Tiziana Calleja is making a very good job of being a child-friendly witch.

The next actress to mention is no stranger to sport and, in fact, in this musical she had to learn a new sport, roller blading, as she will be one of the wagons of the toy train. Having recently played the part of the girlfriend of a footballer, Sarah Camilleri has indeed kept herself very busy all year round.

And last but not least, the musical composer – a very talented young man, with steam escaping from his fingertips when he tinkles those notes on the piano. He will be dressed up as a toy clown as he plays the music live, and anyone who watches Sfida will certainly understand why Dominic Galea was the composer who Patrick Vella and his troupe voted for hands down.

To give the children a treat with their Easter eggs and figolla, buy them a ticket that they will treasure. Tickets can be booked now at [email protected] or by ringing 2122-3200 or 2122-3216