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maltatoday | SUNDAY • 8 DECEMBER 2024 3 THEATRE Scrooge at Teatru Salesjan: Meet three stars bringing MADC's Christmas Panto to life Ready to bring the panto magic to Teatru Salesjan this Christmas, actors Stephen Oliver, Edward Caruana Galizia and Chantelle Micallef Grimaud share a glimpse behind the scenes of MADC's Ebenezer Scrooge! The Panto. FOR many in Malta, no festive season is complete without the heartwarming story, fantastic cast, dazzling costumes, laugh- ter and joy of pantomime. This year, however, this much-loved Christmas tradi- tion has a twist: MADC's Eben- ezer Scrooge! The Panto will be the very first panto to grace the stage at the newly refurbished Teatru Salesjan. Making the most of this exciting space to reimagine Victorian London with panto flair, MADC's an- nual fixture promises festive cheer like never before. For lead actor Stephen Oli- ver, stepping into the shoes of the iconic Ebenezer Scrooge is both an honour and a chal- lenge. "I grew up on Charles Dickens' classics and was struck by his uncanny knack of catching the true spirit of peo- ple," Oliver shares. "It's easy to portray Scrooge as just a cur- mudgeonly old miser, but deep down, there is a real, sensitive human being in there. I was keen to bring that out, but also give him a hilarious edge and interact with the audience, in true panto style." The intimate setting of Te- atru Salesjan provides the perfect backdrop, he adds. "I performed here twice before its refurbishment and always loved the wonderfully intimate feel this jewel of theatre gives. The transformation has turned the theatre into a fabulous community resource. Every- one at MADC is excited to be bringing this spectacular show to the new Teatru Salesjan." Joining Oliver, Edward Caru- ana Galizia is Bob Cratchit, the kind-hearted foil to Scrooge's miserly ways. "Bob is the closest thing Scrooge has to a friend," Caruana Galizia explains. "He's more understanding than he should be with Scrooge and sees the better side of him, no matter how nasty he can be. His family plays a big role in helping him realise how unkind he's been." Reflecting on his co-stars and the creative process, Caruana Galizia is full of admiration, particularly for Alan Montan- aro, who wrote the panto and stars as the famed Dame. "I love working with Alan – he's a national treasure! And the ensemble is so talented. I'm se- cretly intimidated by their abil- ity to dance and sing so well. It wasn't like that back in my day!" The cast and creative team of Ebenezer Scrooge! The Panto is truly stellar, agrees Oliver. "We're directed by Steve Ca- saletto, who brings his wealth of comic directing credits to the production. Maestro Ryan Paul Abela leads us musically, with choreography by Martina Galea, costumes designed by Nicole Cuschieri and spectac- ular sets designed by Claudio Apap." The extraordinary cast also features Joe Depasquale as the Ghost of Christmas Present, Mandy Randon as the Ghost of Christmas Past, Va- nessa Attard as Mrs Dizziwig, Noel Zarb as Jacob Marley and Franco Sciberras as Mach A Villain. For Chantelle Micallef Grimaud, who plays the hilar- iously itchy Mrs Scratchit, the production is a dream come true. "For me and my family, panto is a Christmas essential. This is the third MADC pan- to I've performed in and it's based on my favourite festive story, so it's gearing up to be the Christmassiest Christmas indeed," she laughs. "Mrs Scratchit is such fun – opinionated, funny and always trying her best, despite her constant itchiness. And per- forming alongside the Cratchit family is a hoot!" The creative team has en- sured the show is a feast for the senses. "The costumes are colourful, wacky and full of surprises, while the choreogra- phy is energetic and exciting," Micallef Grimaud continues. "Everyone in the team is out- doing themselves, showing just how skilled they are in their fields but also experimenting with new ideas and having fun, which is the key ingredient for panto magic." That magic is at the heart of why pantomime remains a cherished holiday tradition in Malta, says Caruana Galizia. "Panto resonates with all of us because it's about life here – our jokes and humour. We've made it our own." With two extra performanc- es added on 27 December and 5 January due to high de- mand, Mrs Scratchit herself invites everyone to join in the festive fun: "Come along for some Christmas spirit(s) – Mrs Scratchit will have a seat wait- ing for you!" 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 avail- able. Booking is now open at www.madc.com.mt. Children under the age of three will not be permitted inside the the- atre. This production is sup- ported by Dee Spas Wellness, Welbee's Supermarket, Elia Ca- terers, 89.7 Bay and Bay Easy. Above and below by Justin Mamo