With Christmas just round the corner, a number of theatre productions have once again created entertaining and spectacular pantomimes for families and friends in Malta. The annual Christmas production of pantomimes started off in 1911 and the first ever pantomime that was performed was known as Aladdin & his Wonderful Lamp, staged by the MADC.
These annual pantomimes are an outstanding part of Malta’s Christmas period. Every year each pantomime presents a familiar story to all, by presenting the original story to their audience but inserting a twist to it by making it their own and creating a pantomime that is humorous, amusing and enjoyable.
The MADC (Malta Amateur Dramatic Club) pantomime by Alan Montanaro and directed by Michael Mangion returns again this year with their production of the American animated musical fantasy called ‘Aladdin.’ This will be staged at the MFCC ta’ Qali, from the 23rd December 2019 till the 4th January 2020. The pantomime is starring over 30 actors and dancers, with Montanaro presented as the dame in this play, Jasmine Farrugia as Princess Jasmine, Joseph Pavia as the Emperor and Stephen Oliver as Abanazer. Noel Zarb said that the audiences are initially attracted by the popular title of the pantomime because these are always based on stories that are well-known by both young and old. ‘Aladdin’ is a pantomime that comprises of great spectacle and humour that is provided by the large cast, the live music, the original costumes and scenery. Zarb added, that the pantomime is based on several jokes which refer to local celebrities and politicians from all the leading local political parties which are very popular in Malta. Any member of the audience would agree that no pantomime would be the same without them.
The FM Theatre Productions pantomime written by the managing director, Edward Mercieca and directed by Christopher Gatt returns again this year. They have been putting up shows since 1999 and this year they are producing the famous Disney fairy tale, The Little Mermaid The Panto Under the Sea. This will be held at The Manoel Theatre from the 22nd December 2019 till the 5th January 2020. The pantomime is starring Edward Mercieca as the dame together with other brilliant actors, dancers and singers.
Mercieca described the pantomime as “a big fruit salad” as it consists of several spectacular characteristics bringing the pantomime all together. These include the use of magic, comedy, children’s stories, drama, singing, dancing and anything else you could think of in the performing arts.
He said that the script of the pantomime is considered to be based on the current local situations which further attracts our audience, making the pantomime humorous, engaging and enjoyable. He added that the audience will experience an unlimited amount of jokes this year because of the current situation going on in our country. It is based on all the things that are happening right now, and with so much going on, there is a lot, he said.
Apart from pantomimes being written in English, Rodney Gauci is the director of the Theatre Catholic Institute’s 18th edition Christmas pantomime written in Maltese known as Aladin – Pentow bil-Malti.’ This will be held at the Catholic Institute in Floriana between the 22nd December 2019 and the 5th January 2020. The pantomime is starring Mario Cassar as Aladdin himself, and Rodney Gauci as the dame in the performance.
Bronk Productions is also presenting a pantomime in Maltese known as Robin u Hood. The performance will be staged on various dates between the 22nd December 2019 till the 12th January 2020 at the Sir Temi Zammit Hall, University of Malta.
