Get out your eye patches and skull and crossbones flags… this year’s panto offering from the MADC is Pirates of the Mediterranean, written by Edward Mercieca and directed by Nanette Brimmer. The panto will follow the adventures of Jim Hawkins-Crusoe (the poor relation of Robinson Crusoe) and his mum, the inimitable Kalafrana.

Johnny Depp couldn’t make it but instead, the star-studded cast includes Edward Mercieca himself as Dame Kalafrana, Chiara Hyzler as Jim, Jo Caruana as the mermaid Ariel, Pia Zammit as the baddie Skoda Octavia, John Marinelli as Long John Silver, David Ellul Mercer as Poppa, Rachel Darmanin Demajo as Pruwa, Coryse Borg as Fairy Frumpet, Elaine Camilleri as Fairy Guppy, Renato Dimech as Neptune, Katherine Brown as Bog Roll and Ralph Mangion as Doctor Klinikk, as well as an all-dancing, all-singing chorus.

Musical director is Mro Paul Abela and choreographer is Kristina Schranz. The spectacular set is by Harry Borg and the over-the-top costumes were designed by Louie Noir.

Pirates of the Mediterranean will burst onto the Manoel Theatre stage from 26 to 30 December and from 2 to 13 January (excluding 7 January).

Tickets may be booked or purchased from the Manoel Theatre Booking Office: email: [email protected], website: www. teatrumanoel.com.mt and telephone number: 2124-6389. More information from website: www.madc.biz.