Ġulbiena is literally round the corner, and no, we don't mean the plant on your kitchen shelf.

Ġulbiena the Radio Play in the Dark will exclusively go live this Sunday 20 December on 103 Malta's Heart, Calypso Radio, XFM and Magic Malta. That means it will be available on those stations only at 8pm, with no repeats so make sure not to miss out.

Produced by Teatru Malta in collaboration with Spazju Kreattiv and the Malta Community Chest Fund, this will be the only pantomime taking place this Christmas in light of the Covid-19 restrictions and the third installment from the Panto in the Dark series. Not much has changed other than the play being performed live on the radio as opposed to in a sound booth.

Audiences are still expected to tune in with their headphones to keep the panto in the dark experience alive from the safety of their homes. What is even better is that it's completely free of charge this year, so make sure to tune in.

So what is it about? ... With one hour to go, our protagonists are preparing for the arrival of a very special mystery guest and everything must be perfect! There's one problem. Something crucial is missing... The Ġulbiena of course! To retrieve their precious Christmas plant they must journey into the Witch's creepy cottage, where nobody has dared to enter before. Their adventure won't be an easy one but with your help they might just make it out alive!

Ġulbiena - A Radio Panto in the Dark is written and directed by Vikesh Godhwani and Marta Vella. Cast includes Chucky Bartolo as the dame, Samuel Farrugia, Anton Saliba and Davinia Hamilton.

For more information visit www.teatrumalta.org.mt or call 21220255.