Aladdin returns

Aladdin, arguably the most popular of all the Arabian nights stories, returns to the Manoel Theatre in Valletta this festive season in the form of Masquerade's panto.

Aladdin and His Wonderful Lam was the first panto to be produced by the MADC back in 1910 and was produced twice more over the past 30 years.

Writer Malcolm Galea and director Anthony Bezzina team up again and brought together a magnificent cast for this season's show.

Aladdin himself is the principal boy role and this time around will be played by a male: Francis Ghersci. The leading girl is the Princess and she will be interpreted by Dorothy Bezzina.

Aladdin contains one of the most endearing of all dames, widow Twankey. In Masquerade's production she will be in the experienced hands of Malcolm Galea.

Another well-seasoned panto interpreter, Philip Stilon, will play the role of the comic, Wishee Washee.

Every good panto needs a heavy to hiss and they don't come much more hissable than the evil wizard, who will be played by Louis Cassar.

The panto duo in Aladdin is the Chinese policemen, Daniel Mangion, and James Muscat; while the small but imposing part of the Emperor of China will be interpreted by Joseph Zammit.

Strangely enough Aladdin is one panto that does not normally contain a panto animal. But in the 1978 version a panda was thought apposite and 31 years on she appears again, this time the skin will be occupied by Maria Caruana.

Aladdin will run from December 18 to January 6, with matinées on December 21, 22, 28, 29. January 2 and 3.

For more information call 2124 6389, send an e-mail to [email protected] or visit www.teatrumanoel.com.mt and/or www.masquerademalta.com.