Coryse Borg has a chat with some of the key people taking part or working behind the scenes in this year’s pantos at the Manoel Theatre and the MFCC.

The main cast of Pinocchio.

Pinocchio – a blast and a half (and that’s no lie)!

FM Theatre’s Pinocchio is being directed by Chris Gatt, who tells me that it is probably the first of what are now considered the modern children’s fairy tales.

“The tale of a puppet brought to life by a Blue Fairy and whose only desire is to become a real boy – if only he could be good and avoid the temptation of lying – is the perfect morality tale for our time,” he says. “Pinocchio has all the favourite moments that made the original fairytale so popular, with the addition of a subplot involving a jealous witch who has banned laughter from the village of Tagħnalkoll and who has plans of marrying off her niece to the mayor Stromboli.”

A 13-strong chorus has been polishing tonsils and belting out the tunes under the direction of vocal coach Cathy Lawlor, while a grooved-up band is directed by musical director Kris Spiteri. Choreography is by Jean-Marc Agius Cafà.

Actors include David Chircop, Larissa Bonaci, Tara-Louise Zammit, Nikola Andrejevic and Maxine Aquilina, as well as Joe Depasquale, Tara Camilleri, Michael Mangion, Antonella Mifsud and Renato Dimech. Pinocchio himself will be played on alternate nights by Myron Josè Agius and Benjamin Tonna.

Edward Mercieca as Saltimbocca.

And of course, then there’s the Dame. Once more Edward Mercieca dons the fat suit, the make-up and the wigs to become the massive creation called Saltimbocca.

Larissa Bonaci, who plays the Blue Fairy, says she is thrilled to be taking part in this production.

“I have a little fairy inside of me and I’m so excited to let her out for this year’s panto! Chris and Edward are a blast to work with ... I go home with tears in my eyes from all the laughter. All the cast is superb and I have found myself a second family,” she smiles.

Joe Depasquale, who plays Mayor Stromboli, agrees, saying that the best part of panto is working with such an amazing cast and crew.

“The worst part?

“Well, that’s not easy to answer because I honestly can’t think of anything negative to say. I guess that, as in any panto, you have to put your evening life on hold for a couple of months. Then again, because of the amazing cast and crew it’s not really a problem,” he says.

David Chircop’s character, Jimmy, links the audience to the rest of the characters on stage.

“He is the one who needs to be funny but at the same time vulnerable and relatable,” he explains. “So he is an interesting character to play, with enough depth and challenge for an actor to have him sit and think about the clumsy stressed-out self that secretly features a little bit in all of us.”

Maxine Aquilina, who plays Princess Esmeralda, cannot wait to get started.

“I love everything about panto; every rehearsal is such fun,” she says.

“I have never played a principal role in panto before, and so far it has proven to be a big learning curve for me. But I must say playing a Princess is an absolute dream come true.”

• Pinocchio by FM Theatre Productions will be held at the Manoel Theatre starting from December 23. Tickets may be obtained by phone on 2124 6389, e-mail: booking@teatrumanoel.com.mt or online at www.teatrumanoel.com.mt.

Merry Poppins – simply supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!

MADC’s offering Merry Poppins is both written and directed by Malcolm Galea this year.

“This has been the fastest-selling pantomime in the MADC’s history, so it seems that people already have a keen idea of what to expect,” he says. “Working with the brilliant cast and the dedicated team that the MADC provided me with has been a great experience. The worst part of it, as always, is not seeing my sons during the evenings and getting back home after they go to bed. “Still, sometimes I take them with me to rehearsals or performances and the magic in their eyes makes it all worthwhile.”

The cast of Merry Poppins includes panto veteran Alan Montanaro as the title character, as well as John Montanaro, Joseph Zammit, Taryn Mamo Cefai, Katja Braunei, Chiara Hyzler, Steffi Thake, Alexander Gatesy Lewis, Francesco Nicodeme, Luke Saydon and Mandy Randon. Music is by Paul Abela, with choreography by Alison White and costumes by Ernest Camilleri. Vocal coach is Roger Tirazona and set design is by Claudio Apap. Wigs and hair are by Michael and Guy Hairstylists.

The Twins: Chiara Hyzler and Steffi Thake.

Chiara Hyzler plays one half of The Twins (the other half is played by Steffi Thake). “This year I am playing one half of a character, so this is definitely the biggest challenge ever,” she says. “Every line, movement and thought is shared between us, so I have to think as half a person rather than as an individual character.

“Although ‘my half’ does have her own personality, it’s been very interesting to develop myself in the context of another person. Thankfully, Steffi and I play off each other very well, which makes the process that much easier and more enjoyable.”

John Montanaro returns to the MADC fold after a long absence from panto. “This is the first time I get to play the ‘baddy’. The main challenge I have is that I cannot seem to impress my young sons. According to them I do not scare them. I am working on it and they have been warned to sleep with one eye open,” he grins. “This year, you get two Montanaros for the price of one ticket! This panto definitely has the ingredients of being the best one so far. Alan is in top form, and the cast is great.”

MADC’s Merry Poppins will be on at the MFCC from December 20 to January 4. Tickets may be obtained by phone on 7777 6232 or online: www.madc.com.mt.