A serious touch at the pantomime

The Christmas pantomime is always full of surprises but the audience watching Sinbad (The Tailor) at the Malta Fairs and Convention Centre in Ta' Qali last Sunday was in for an extra one when, dressed up as a woman, Paul Hyzler went down on one knee and proposed to his girlfriend.

Mr Hyzler, dressed up in a shiny dark green toga and a white wig, produced a diamond ring and offered it to his girlfriend, Rachel Farrugia.

Of course, he had the full cooperation of panto producers MADC, especially Alan Montanaro, starring as Dame Żeża.

Playing the role to perfection, Dame Żeża walked among the audience to pick two "victims", which the dame prefers to describe as volunteers, to participate in the panto. Known to choose those shifting uncomfortably in their seats and wishing themselves invisible, everyone breathed a sigh of relief when Dame Żeża chose two men: Mr Hyzler and his friend Simon Gingell Littlejohn. They had to dress up as women and then choose the best "model" among them.

The dame asked both men to give some information about themselves and Mr Hyzler was asked whether he had a girlfriend. "Of course," he replied and pointed to where Miss Farrugia was sitting. Sure enough, Dame Żeża ran to her and took Ms Farrugia on stage to help in the judging.

In a clear parody of America's Next Top Model, the two men had to walk on a runway or cat walk in front of the stage and then stand before Dame Żeża so that the judging could take place.

"Is there anything you would like to say to convince the judges," the dame asked.

"Yes," Mr Hyzler said and, walking to the centre of the stage, he put his hand in one of his jeans pockets. Producing a small box, he opened it and displayed a diamond ring, knelt down in front of Ms Farrugia and said: "I would like to ask my girlfriend if she wants to marry me", to an applauding and cheering audience.

Seeing she was stuck for words, Dame Żeża reminded Ms Farrugia that she had to reply. "No," she said. Then, a few seconds later: "Yes".

When contacted about the "dramatic" proposal, Mr Montanaro said he was elated with the idea.

"We were thrilled when Paul approached us with his idea to surprise Rachel with a marriage proposal live on stage at Sinbad: The Tailor. The audience loved it and we loved it. It simply added to the unique feel of the MADC panto and we wish Paul and Rachel every happiness for the future together," he said.