When Ebenezer Scrooge! The Panto opens on Boxing Day, it will mark a new chapter for Malta's oldest theatre company - despite MADC having produced unforgettable Christmas pantomimes in Malta for decades.

This year's offering, written by Alan Montanaro and directed by Steve Casaletto, is not only a dazzling reimagining of a classic Christmas tale, but will also serve as the inaugural panto at the newly refurbished Teatru Salesjan in Sliema.

Steve Casaletto

For Casaletto, this theatrical milestone comes with mixed emotions. "It's the first panto at a completely new venue, so there are many challenges," he explains. "However, directing the MADC panto is always a fantastic experience."

Based on the famous festive story by Charles Dickens - and starring one of the author's most iconic characters, the quintessential miser, Ebenezer Scrooge - MADC is leaning into blending panto with a tale so closely connected with Christmas. "This is not the usual panto story - most panto stories never mention Christmas at all," Casaletto highlights. "Yet Scrooge's journey completely revolves around Christmas. It required a light touch to integrate panto elements while keeping the integrity of Dickens' tale. Alan Montanaro has done an excellent job as scriptwriter in achieving this delicate balance."

Montanaro also stars as Dame, complete with his trademark wit and flamboyant charm. He's joined by a stellar cast that includes Stephen Oliver as Ebenezer Scrooge, Edward Caruana Galizia as Bob Cratchit, Chantelle Micallef Grimaud as Mrs Scratchit, Franco Sciberras as Mach A Villain, Vanessa Attard as Mrs Dizziwig and Joe Depasquale, Mandy Randon and Noel Zarb as the Ghosts of Christmas Present, Past and Jacob Marley, respectively.

Of course, no panto is complete without breathtaking sets, vibrant costumes, dynamic choreography and stirring music - and an exceptional creative team including choreographer Martina Galea, set designer Claudio Apap, costume designer Nicole Cuschieri and musical director Ryan Abela have produced the magic of Ebenezer Scrooge! The Panto. "It was great working with all of them," says Casaletto. "They brought a great deal of professionalism and enthusiasm to the production and it was a pleasure seeing how all the elements come together."

Moving into the transformed Teatru Salesjan has brought its own rewards and challenges. "The theatre has maintained its intimate feel while elevating the audience's experience," Casaletto shares. "This cosier space has meant working differently compared to our past productions at other venues, but it offers audiences a deeper connection to the cast."

As MADC's chairperson, he also emphasises the importance of this venue shift. "MADC made the Maltese panto scene what it is today, and its sole purpose is to promote theatre in all its forms," he says. "We wanted to acknowledge Teatru Salesjan's investment in its theatre by bringing our panto and other productions there and aim to continue supporting other local theatrical companies and venues."

To make theatre in Malta even more accessible, affordability was another key priority for the team at MADC. "We know this is a family show and that the festive season can be an expensive time," Casaletto explains. "That's why we worked hard with Teatru Salesjan to keep ticket prices as low as possible. We've introduced three pricing tiers and reduced rates for children across all shows, not just for matinees or specific seats. The response has been fantastic - and we've even added two extra performances on Friday 27 December and Sunday 5 January to meet demand."

With its heartwarming story full of Christmas spirit, laugh-out-loud moments, larger-than-life characters and stellar performances, Ebenezer Scrooge! The Panto promises to be an unmissable addition to the season for everyone across Malta.

"Audiences can expect a great night out with laughter, thrills and excitement for all the family," adds Casaletto. "And they can expect to experience the joy of Christmas spirit and togetherness that this ultimate festive story evokes. In Scrooge's words, we hope we will inspire families and friends to honour Christmas in their hearts and try to keep it all the year."

MADC's Ebenezer Scrooge! The Panto performs in English at Teatru Salesjan, Sliema, from 26 December 2024 to 5 January 2025, with both matinee and evening performances available. Booking is now open at www.madc.com.mt. Children under the age of three will not be permitted inside the theatre. This production is supported by Dee Spas Wellness, Welbee's Supermarket, Elia Caterers, 89.7 Bay and Bay Easy.