Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1530005
8 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 29 NOVEMBER 2024 THEATRE FAMILIES are spoiled for choice this Christmas as FM Theatre Productions makes panto histo- ry with two spectacular productions, Red Riding Hood: A Rock n' Roll Panto at Teatru Astra in Ra- bat, Gozo, and Rapunzel: A Tangled Panto staged at Teatru Manoel in Valletta. Red Riding Hood: A Rock n' Roll Panto at Teatru Astra At Teatru Astra in Gozo, the third installment of the actor-musician panto series will come to life with Red Riding Hood: A Rock n' Roll Pan- to, under the direction of Chris Gatt with musi- cal direction by Cathy Lawlor. This unique production, where the cast per- forms both as characters and as a live rock band, introduces Sean Borg in the role of Dame. Joining him is a dynamic ensemble, including Rebecca Darmanin as Red Riding Hood, along- side Tina Rizzo, Gianni Selvaggi, Cathy Lawlor, Dan Ganado, Federica Giallombardo, Hannah Attard, and Peter Farrugia. Rapunzel: A Tangled Panto at Teatru Manoel At the majestic Teatru Manoel, audiences are in for a treat with Rapunzel: A Tangled Panto, marking the directorial debut of Luke Mercieca. The production stars the iconic Edward Mer- cieca as Dame, alongside panto favorite Chiara Hyzler and a stellar cast, including Hannah Spiteri, Jasmine Farrugia, Maria Buckle, Sean Azzopardi, Antonella Mifsud, and Hannah Gatt among others. Undoubtedly Teatru Manoel is the home of the traditional panto that audiences have come to know and love, and Rapunzel: A Tangled Panto is as magical as it is entertainingly hilar- ious. The show is brought to life by an exceptional creative team, with Kris Spiteri as Musical Di- rector, Francesco Nicodeme as Choreographer, Matthew Cassar for Set Design, and Denise Mulholland as Costume Designer. Tradition Whilst panto at Teatru Manoel has been a long-standing tradition dating back to the 1960s, panto at Teatru Astra offers a fresh and exciting twist, steadily building its audience since its debut in 2022. In collaboration with Teatru Astra, the Rock n' Roll Panto has carved out a unique identity, blending the classic elements of panto with the electrifying energy of a rock concert. Rapunzel: A Tangled Panto is supported by Lombard Bank Malta plc, Foster Clark's, Cre- ative Europe Desk Malta, Alex Falzon Training & Coaching and Bolt. Red Riding Hood: A Rock n' Roll Panto is sup- ported by Teatru Astra, Cultural Heritage Di- rectorate, Ministry for Gozo and Planning and MeDirect. For tickets and more information visit: - Teatru Manoel: https://teatrumanoel.mt/ event/rapunzel-a-tangled-panto/ - Teatru Astra: https://teatruastra.org.mt/ events/2024/red-riding-hood FM Theatre Productions makes panto history with two pantomimes this Christmas Red Riding Hood Rapunzel