Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1192401
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 15 DECEMBER 2019 7 DESPITE his relatively young age, Alexander Gatesy Lewis is quite the Panto veteran having played the Prin- cipal Boy or a featured main charac- ter in five MADC pantos so far – and he clearly is keen to be back for more. "I love the thrill of being on a stage – live and exposed – where anything can happen, to anyone, at any given moment," he enthuses. "I don't believe there is anything quite like that feeling. Especially in a panto, where there are so many dif- ferent elements all working cohesive- ly, such as the lights and sound, the huge ensemble, the live band, and the audience reaction. I just can't seem to get enough." Aladdin's story is one of the most popular tales in literary history. "Eve- ryone knows who the character of Aladdin is, or at least they think they do," opines Gatesy Lewis. "Person- ally, I'm only just beginning to un- derstand who this version of Aladdin really is. I can't say there have been many major challenges with my role so far – but when it's panto, it's only a matter of time…" he adds with a laugh. His co-star Jasmine Farrugia is thoroughly enjoying playing Jasmine – and the fun that comes with playing a character who shares her name. Jas- mine's first experience of an MADC panto was Treasure Island in 2015, in which she formed part of the chores "It was great fun," she recalls. "I al- ways feel it's important to form part of the chorus as a performing experi- ence – the chorus always works in- credibly hard and form an integral part of the show!" The on-stage couple agree that all the laughs and sweat that go into the show will leave them with some long-lasting memorable moments and they have no doubt that audi- ences will also take home some won- derful memories. "Behind all the glitz and glamour, glitter and sequins, the Maltese panto is really all about family and celebration," muses Ga- tesy Lewis. "We all understand that families tend to experience all sorts of drama, funny moments, highs and lows, and although it is all done for laughs, the panto characters share similar experiences." On her part, Farrugia says that "I would love for the audience to have a good time and have lots of laughs. It's a great show to watch with the family. As a young kid who was into drama, I was always inspired to per- form when watching panto as a child. I hope there are kids who leave the show with that feeling too – they are, of course, the next panto generation!" Catch up with Alexander, Jas- mine, and the rest of the cast of MADC's Aladdin – The Panto, written by Alan Montanaro, at the MFCC, Ta' Qali, from 23 Decem- ber until 4 January. Matinées start at 3pm and evening shows begin at 7.30pm. Tickets at reduced rates for children aged 11 and under. For booking and more information visit www.madc.com.mt. With opening night of MADC's Aladdin – the Panto fast approaching, Alexander Gatesy Lewis who plays the title role, and Jasmine Farrugia who plays Princess Jasmine, take some time out of the hectic schedule to share their experiences rehearsing for this highly- anticipated show "I would love for the audience to have a good time and have lots of laughs. It's a great show to watch with the family." Alexander Gatesy Lewis (left) plays the title role, and Jasmine Farrugia plays Princess Jasmine CULTURE PANTO alan montanaro in ALADDIN THE Panto from 23 Dec 2019 to 4 Jan 2020 • at MFCC Ta' Qali Directed by Michael Mangion sponsored by Meet Aladdin and Jasmine!