To paraphrase Louisa May Alcott, Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without any theatre. And it is heartening to note that Teatru Manoel, our gem of a national theatre, is promising lots of it, with a fabulous festive line-up planned for this week to truly kick off the Christmas Season.
To start off, the theatre is introducing a new addition to its programme of events, designed to offer the public a fascinating peek into the theatre. Organised by TOI TOI, the Manoel's learning and participation wing, this exclusive tour brings together factual, historical and intriguing information about the theatre in an entertaining and engaging way.
The tours form part of a collaboration between Teatru Manoel and House of Tours. Teatru Manoel Youth Theatre alumnus and tour guide extraordinaire Jeremy Grech brings his larger-than-life personality to this venture, his story-telling prowess adding a unique spin to the history behind one of Europe's finest and oldest theatres. Over the course of an hour, visitors will be treated to tales from the theatre's rich past, while experiencing the beauty of the main auditorium and getting a glimpse of stage costumes from past productions, and also venturing onto the stage and exploring the vast space underneath. The tour will take place on 8 December at 3pm and 7.30pm.
On 10 December, TOI TOI invites you to dust off your yuletide attire (yes that means your Christmas jumper and reindeer antlers too!) and indulge in a joyous celebration of the season with Christmas Classics. For one night only, this informal concert of fun, festive favourites includes a veritable confection of songs to sing along to, such as I Saw Mummy Kissing Santa Claus, Silver Bells and White Christmas, together with other well-loved Christmas carols. Christmas Classics features the incomparable and incredible vocals of Julie James, beautifully accompanied on the Grand Piano by Maria-Elena Farrugia. One not to be missed!
TOI TOI will also cater to the much younger set with a performance chock-full of cheer in Carols at Christmas. On 8, 10 and 11 December, this delightful little performance takes us on a theatrical romp with Carols - three of them, to be precise! Meet Carol Kanzunetta, Carol Żfin and Carol Drammatiku, as they compete for the solo part in the TOI TOI sell-out Christmas show.
And finally, it's no secret that Teatru Manoel has a proud legacy of presenting opera to its audiences - and with Opera Locos, performing on 11 December, the theatre combines this ever-popular genre... with comedy! The Opera Locos features a troupe of five eccentric and exceptional lyrical singers as they perform a repertoire of the greatest composers of the genre - with an unusual twist. Cleverly fusing well-known opera hits with rock and pop classics, the performers reveal their hidden passions and desires in this night at the opera with an ingenious and genuinely funny take.
As you plan your Christmas shopping spree in Valletta over the coming week, be sure to add a visit to Teatru Manoel to your itinerary. With an eclectic choice of four fantastic shows for all the family, what better way to truly get you into the spirit of the festive season?
The Manoel Theatre Exclusive Tour will run on Thursday 8 December at 3pm and 7.30pm with an age recommendation of eight and above. Please note these tours are currently not available for persons with limited mobility. For one performance only, Christmas Classics will be performed on 10 December at 7pm and is suitable for audiences aged six and above. Carols at Christmas takes place on 8 December at 10am and 10 and 11 December at 10am and 12pm in the Studio Theatre, open to audiences aged five and above. Two performances of Opera Locos will take place on 11 December at 6pm and 8.30pm and is suitable for audiences aged six and above. Tickets for all events are available online at www.teatrumanoel.mt, via email to [email protected] or by telephone on 2124 6389.