Christmas improvised comedy returns

Three of Malta’s stage performers will be returning this Christmas to perform a follow-up improvised comedy alternative for adults instead of the usual seasonal entertainment.

This year we’re making it even more difficult for ourselves by giving the audience much more control over what we do

Actors Malcolm Galea and Chris Dingli together with director Wesley Ellul, will be performing their new show Dingle Bells Malcolm Smells: The [blank] and the big shiny [blank]! at St James Cavalier for five nights from December 26.

Last year’s show Dingle Bells Malcolm Smells had to be extended twice, with Dingli having to cancel his flight back to London where he resides.

This year’s show will have a stronger improvisation element to it.

“Last year we dipped our toe into the water,” explains Dingli.

“This year we’re really going for it, making it even more difficult for ourselves by giving the audience much more control over what we do.”

Galea says: “We took note of the things that worked well last year, and improved on them. If it wasn’t funny, we got rid of it and replaced it with something twice as funny instead.”

The show will again be a mixture of comedy genres which will include sketches, songs, monologues and some elements of stand-up comedy.

“It will be completely original, never seen before material and will be loosely based around a couple of themes, which the audience will decide on the night,” says Ellul.

“This is why the title of the show has a fill-the-blanks element to it. Everything from the story to the genre to the characters will be decided on the night. We’ve actually gone out of our way to make sure no two shows are the same.”

Dingle Bells Malcolm Smells: The [blank] and the big shiny [blank]! runs at St James Cavalier theatre from December 26 to 30.

Shows are at 8 p.m. and tickets cost €10 or €15 from the St James Cavalier box office.

More information at www.theatregonewrong.com.

Improvisation workshops

Dingli and Galea will be conducting an improvisation workshop in the weeks preceding their Christmas improvised comedy.

The workshop is open to anyone, regardless of experience on stage.

Attendees will participate in group improvisation exercises in a fun, relaxed environment, with advice, tips and direction from Dingli and Galea based on their respective experiences as actors, writers and directors.

They will share the techniques, methods and secrets used in the preparation and performance of their highly successful show.

Improvisation is a neglected art form in Malta.

The half-day workshops will take place on Saturday and next Sunday.

To book one of the limited €35 places, e-mail info@theatregonewrong.com