Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1541988
3 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 14 DECEMBER 2025 CULTURE The stars behind MADC's Snow White FROM MAGIC MIRRORS TO RIB-TICKLING ROYALS: As MADC returns to Teatru Salesjan with Snow White, three of the show's stars share how playing bumbling kings and wicked queens – and even a magic mirror – are all part of creating the wonder and laughter of the fairytale festive panto THE festive pantomime is soon back with a bang, a whoosh and a shower of glitter – and MADC returns to Teatru Salesjan to de- liver exactly that (and more). Written by panto legend Alan Montanaro and directed by Ste- phen Oliver, Snow White con- tinues the company's long panto legacy, lighting up the stage with laughter, sparkling costumes and unforgettable fairytale charac- ters, all in the name of creating that unmistakable festive magic. One such character is the flam- boyant Mirror Man – a role seasoned panto performer Noel Zarb is relishing. "He's such a fun character to play – funny, witty, flamboyant. And of course, all in very subtle clothing," he grins. "I referenced British comedians such as Alan Carr and Michael McIntyre to create the role. And watching and working with Alan Montanaro for all these years is the best masterclass in comedy timing anyone could have." Wearing one of the show's crowns is Sarah Jane Zrinzo as the gorgeously wicked Queen Belladonna. "I took inspiration from the classic animated 1937 Disney version of Snow White, in which her portrayal of jeal- ousy for her own stepdaughter and her ambition to be the most beautiful woman in the land is really clear," she shares. How- ever, her biggest muse comes from closer to home. "Someone else who gives me inspiration for this role is my grandmoth- er (bless her soul!) because she would flip from one thought to the next. I think of her voice dur- ing rehearsal, which helps me to develop the lower register for the Queen's voice." Adding both heart and hilarity to the royal chaos is King Bum- blebottom, played by Joe Depas- quale, who describes his charac- ter as a "lovable idiot." For Joe, the magic of panto is rooted in childhood wonder. "When I was a child, one of the most magical moments of the year was when my parents would take me to panto," he recalls. "While life has changed a lot since then, I believe panto still has that magical effect. I love to help create those mag- ical Christmas memories that stay with you for a lifetime." Behind the scenes, Joe is al- so the cast's biggest cheerlead- er. "My favourite moments are when I'm not in a scene and can just sit down and watch the oth- ers rehearse," he admits. "It is a fantastic cast – all of them are so talented! – and it's a privilege to watch them bring the characters to life." Alongside Alan Montanaro's return as the Dame and Melissa Mercieca playing the titular role of Snow White, joining the trio is an exceptional cast featuring Karl Bartolo, Bertha Farrugia, Carla Fenech and Ali Kanay Demirci, as well as an equally ex- traordinary ensemble. Behind the scenes, the creative team is pulling out all the stops with choreography by Martina Galea, music direction by Ryan Abela and set design by Romual- do Moretti. Beyond his script full of festive mischief, Alan Mon- tanaro will also dazzle audienc- es with costumes he designed together with Nicole Cuschieri. "Alan's script is extremely fun- ny," reveals Sarah Jane. "Bring tissues if you are like me and tend to laugh and cry simultaneously!" Noel agrees that panto brings a much-needed end-of-year gig- gle – with the joy extending well beyond the stage. "Pantos are always funny, and this year, it is just one laugh after the other," he explains. "There's a good reason the MADC panto is such a staple in the Maltese festive calendar – it's the perfect opportunity for families and friends to celebrate Christmas and start the year to- gether with laughter." MADC's Snow White performs in English at Teatru Salesjan, Sliema, from 23 December 2025 to 5 January 2026, with both matinee and evening perfor- mances available. Booking is open at www.madc.com.mt, with special ticket prices for children aged three to 11. Chil- dren under the age of three will not be permitted inside the the- atre. Parking will be available at the St Patrick's Ground on a first-come, first-served basis. This production is supported by Dee Spas Wellness, Welbee's Supermarket, Elia Caterers, Cre- ative Europe Desk Malta and Magic. The cast of MADC's Snow White (Photo: Justin Mamo) MADC Snowhite's Evil Queen and her henchmen (Photo: Justin Mamo)