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maltatoday | SUNDAY • 24 NOVEMBER 2024 3 THEATRE Magic, mischief, Montanaro: Ebenezer Scrooge! The Panto to bring Christmas spirit(s) to Teatru Salesjan Tickets are selling fast for MADC's much- loved Christmas f ixture, which will be the f irst panto to perform at the newly refurbished Teatru Salesjan in Sliema GET ready to join Ebenezer Scrooge on a whirlwind adven- ture through space and time to discover the spirit of Christ- mas, in MADC's Ebenezer Scrooge! The Panto. For this year's edition of MADC's beloved Christmas tradition, Ebenezer Scrooge! The Panto will be the first pan- tomime to grace the stage at the newly refurbished Teatru Sales- jan in Sliema – and it promises to make the most of all the pan- to possibilities at this new and exciting performance space. Written by panto master Alan Montanaro and directed by the acclaimed Steve Casaletto, this festive treat opens on Boxing Day and runs until 5 January, so that audiences young and old can escape together this festive season into a wonderful world full of laughter, music, dancing and a few surprising thrills. Stephen Oliver brings the quintessential miser Ebenezer Scrooge to life, in a vibrant Vic- torian London where he meets a lively mix of ghosts and odd- ball characters who help him remember the joys of generos- ity and Christmas spirit. While Montanaro returns as Malta's favourite Dame – com- plete with his signature bra and heels! – Ebenezer Scrooge! The Panto also features a brilliant ensemble cast, including Ed- ward Caruana Galizia, Chan- telle Micallef Grimaud, Joe De- pasquale, Noel Zarb, Vanessa Attard, Franco Sciberras and Mandy Randon, among many others. Meanwhile, the ever-talented Ryan Abela is the production's Musical Director, as part of a creative team that makes the classic Christmas panto ex- perience possible, with mag- nificent sets by Claudio Apap, larger-than-life costumes de- signed by Nicole Cuschieri and eye-catching choreography by Martina Galea. To make this spectacular pro- duction as accessible as possi- ble for families to enjoy togeth- er this festive season, MADC has closely collaborated with Teatru Salesjan to offer re- duced ticket prices in both the stalls and dress circle for chil- dren aged three to 11. "We've worked tirelessly to create a production that will warm audiences' hearts and leave them in stitches this Christmas," says Steve Casal- etto. "This will be no ordinary panto – it's a lavish spectacle filled with humour, heart and timeless charm, which both families and theatre enthusiasts are sure to adore and will keep the Christmas cheer going all the way into 2025." MADC's Ebenezer Scrooge! The Panto performs in English at Teatru Salesjan, Sliema, from 26 December 2024 to 5 January 2025, with both mati- nee and evening performances available. Booking is now open at www.madc.com.mt. Chil- dren under the age of three will not be permitted inside the theatre. This production is supported by Dee Spas Well- ness, Welbee's Supermarket, Elia Caterers, 89.7 Bay and Bay Easy. Photogrpahy above and below by Justin Mamo