The Manoel Theatre will be transformed into an underwater world this Christmas, thanks to FM Theatre Productions' pantomime The Little Mermaid. Ariel's role will be played by Nicole Cassar, in what will be her first performance as the title character. In the show, and in bringing the lively mermaid to life, Nicole will be testing the patience of Edward Mercieca's Dame Bormaljotta, her nanny, and her penchant for all things human.

Although Nicole caught the acting bug when she became a student of Stagecoach at a very young age, she spent some years away from the theatre. "The truth is, I never planned to stop performing, it was just something I needed to do," she says, explaining that studying for a law degree left her little to no time to dedicate to rehearsals and performances. "Then, a year after I graduated, I came across the auditions being held by FM Theatre Productions for Mamma Mia the Musical in 2018, and I thought I'd show up and give it a go!" she continues. "Little did I know that showing up to that, and getting cast, was all I needed to catch the 'theatre bug' again!"

Now, a mere 18 months after her return to the stage, Nicole will be playing the main role alongside some veterans of the pantomime. "These wonderful actors also happen to be my friends and that makes the whole experience even more special," she continues. "Edward Mercieca, for instance, has known me since I was just five years old." 

She admits that she wasn't expecting to secure the principal female role in The Little Mermaid. "Being cast as Ariel was a massive surprise!" she says. "I never imagined I would ever have long red hair and a mermaid tail."

Apart from getting used to wearing a tail, she says she is preparing for the role of her favourite Disney character by channelling her inner Disney princess. "Preparation has involved singing Part of Your World and Kiss the Girl to my partner at every possible opportunity, and lying in bed past my alarm clock pretending I don't have feet!" she says. "Joking apart, I want to be sure to give the character all the magic she deserves - and that the children expect. In reality, apart from learning my lines, I'm not treating this role differently from any others I've played. Every role, whether as one of the principals or in the ensemble, requires the same amount of focus and enthusiasm."

FM Theatre Productions is renowned for putting up spectacular shows, and this year's panto promises to be equally dazzling. The costumes and choreography for The Little Mermaid will provide half the entertainment, even though Nicole admits that they make acting a little more challenging. "This year I must admit, remembering all my lines, while dancing or singing, and while being on wheels or in the air, and with long hair and a costume that I'm not too familiar with in my everyday life, is a challenge indeed! But, of course, I am extremely excited to be a part of this magical pantomime."

Challenging costumes notwithstanding, Nicole is looking forward to the culmination of weeks of preparation. She describes production week (the week that the show moves into the theatre) as a magical time and says that being at Teatru Manoel at Christmastime is a fabulous experience in its own right. "Apart from actually putting two months of work onto the stage, we get to colour the theatre and bring it to life thanks to the beautiful costumes, vibrant make-up and stunning scenery. It really does become our home for a month!"

FM Theatre's The Little Mermaid - A Panto Under The Sea will be staged at Teatru Manoel, Valletta, with performances on 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 December 2019 and on 2, 3, 4 January 2020 at 8pm. There will also be matinee performances at 3pm on 22, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 December 2019, and 2, 3, 4, 5 January 2020. Early Bird discount tickets are now available for a limited time only until 30 November, so grab yours today by going online at www.teatrumanoel.com.mt, emailing [email protected], or calling on 2124 6389