Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1513303
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 17 DECEMBER 2023 5 THEATRE How MADC's Panto past made Malta's Christmas present As the countdown to curtain up of MADC's Beauty and the Beast ticks closer – the first MADC panto staged at Teatru Manoel since 2007 – MADC's Artistic Director MARYLU COPPINI looks back on the decades- long legacy of the much- loved MADC Christmas pantomime in Malta. WITH timeless songs, larger- than-life characters brought to life by a talented cast, endless laughter, a magical story, spec- tacular costumes, a breath-tak- ing set and much more – the MADC Christmas pantomime has become as much a part of Malta's festive season as carols and mince pies. The first MADC festive pan- to at Teatru Manoel was also the very first production for the long-running theatre company: Aladdin, staged in January 1911. "At the time, many members of the British Armed Forces and their families lived in Malta, so it was natural for such a British Christmas theatre tradition to be introduced on the island," explains MADC's Artistic Direc- tor, Marylu Coppini. However, this festive tradi- tion would not again resume at the national theatre until 1979, when the British forces – which had, in the decades prior, staged an annual production them- selves – departed the island. MADC took up the panto baton, Coppini goes on: "After the Brit- ish forces left, the Club upheld the panto tradition every Christ- mas for no less than thirty years. Then, when new panto-pro- ducing companies also wished to be accommodated at the Te- atru Manoel over Christmas, MADC – to keep its pantomime an annual event – moved to the MFCC in Ta' Qali for well over the next decade." For nearly half a century, MADC has redefined the Eng- lish-language panto in Malta, while moving with the times of an ever-changing audience with exceptional production values. "The Club has always infused modern trends in music, cos- tumes, scenery and contempo- rary topics into its pantos," she highlights. "A key moment was when MADC introduced a more localised version of a tradition- al fairytale panto through the names of people and places, as well as the odd word or phrase in Maltese, which proved im- mensely popular with our au- diences. Another important transition was when the script- writing and directing roles were given to local creatives who had, by then, become familiar with the genre." As MADC prepares to return to Teatru Manoel this year for the first time since 2007, Beauty and the Beast showcases the im- measurable impact of MADC's panto heritage on the island's ar- tistic community. Veteran panto dame Alan Montanaro leads the extraordinary cast of perform- ers, a name that is today synony- mous with panto in Malta. Join- ing him in the ensemble is a host of talent who have each also cut their performance teeth in pan- to, including Hannah Spiteri as Belle and Gianluca Mifsud as the Beast, as well as Jasmine Farru- gia, Francesco Nicodeme, Maria Buckle and Rambert Attard. "MADC Christmas panto- mimes have helped introduce the theatre genre to thousands of Maltese children, who have later shown a keen interest in being part of this popular an- nual event. Many have gone on to pursue performance careers – a theatrical legacy of which MADC is particularly proud," adds Coppini. "Panto attracts the largest audiences of the sea- son, so it needs the services and ideas of hundreds of members of Malta's artistic community." Meanwhile, some of the is- land's finest theatre practition- ers make up the show's creative team. Written and directed by Chiara Hyzler, Beauty and the Beast also boasts musical direc- tion from Kris Spiteri, choreog- raphy by Francesco Nicodeme, set design from Matthew Cassar, costume design by Denise Mul- holland and vocal coaching from Analise Cassar. "We've worked extremely hard to ensure that the level of the production is as high as possible, sparing no expense in bringing this show to life," Coppini con- cludes, looking forward to the opening night of Beauty and the Beast on 22 December. "Consid- ering the Club's long-standing Christmas pantomime tradition, returning to Teatru Manoel can only be described as a home- coming. With such passion, enthusiasm and experience of everyone involved, we have pro- duced another memorable show that audiences will love." MADC's pantomime Beauty and the Beast performs at Te- atru Manoel, Valletta, from 22 December 2023 to 7 Janu- ary 2024, with matinee and evening performances availa- ble. Booking is open at www. teatrumanoel.mt. Tickets for performances on Wednesday 3 and Thursday 4 January 2024 benefit from a 10% discount. This production is supported by Benna, Dee Spas and Welbee's. Suitable for audiences aged 3 and over. Left to right: Jasmine Farrugia, Alan Montanaro, Hannah Spiteri and Neil Cutajar (photo by Justin Mamo)