Up for a raunchy, rowdy night at the theatre? If your idea of humour involves more than a little naughtiness, Steve Hili’s adult panto Beauty and the Beast is the show for you.

In this version – which is certainly not child-friendly – Maxine Aquilina plays the beautiful, naïve Belle, the love interest (although the Prince, played by Chiara Hyzler, would describe love in more sturdy terms which cannot be reproduced in a family paper).

Stefan Farrugia plays the terrible baddie whose aim is to take over the world, or at least part of Malta, and keep the young prince away from power. And, last but not least, Malcolm Galea’s Dame is a witty tornado of energy and humour, questionable taste in dress and men, and a great talent for getting the audience on board.

The rest of the cast is made up of Kris Spiteri, Naomi Said, Chantelle Micallef Grimaud and Luke Mercieca, as well as burlesque dancers led by Undin LaVerve.

“Since our first adult panto we have developed little traditions that both the audience, and us as the team really enjoy – but now we are pushing the boat out even more,” says Hili.

The show’s reputation means that public figures actively want to get involved

“Also the show’s reputation means that public figures actively want to get involved. And without giving anything away, we are always open to that sort of thing. Something I definitely can tell you is that we have got one of the most amazing voices to ever come out of these islands who will be making a kind of ‘cameo’ this year,” he continues.

Lately, Hili has been trekking up and down the UK doing stand-up comedy.

“I did the Glasgow International Comedy Festival a few weeks ago which was loads of fun, and I am doing a full month run at the Edinburgh Fringe in August. I am also very excited about my new show that I debuted at the Brighton Fringe a few days ago. It is called Burning Love. To the ground. I hope to be able to perform that in Malta soon,” he grins.

Hili’s ‘partner-in-crime’ for Beauty and the Beast is producer Michael Fenech who says that Hili’s script is a blast, with jokes ranging from clever to smutty littering the script.

“Steve is not known for subtlety and part of rehearsals is inevitably asking ourselves: ‘Did he really write that!’ or ‘I am supposed to do what on stage?!’” he laughs, “So, rehearsals are a time when actors bond through the power of laughter and also trying to pass the worst lines on to each other!”

Fenech says that last year’s audiences gave them some very positive feedback, so they are hell-bent on giving them an even better experience.

“People enjoy a good laugh, especially at the expense of our holy cows, and let’s face it, our politicians are providing us with more material than even we can handle!”

“Our audience knows that the adult panto does exactly what it says on the label. Also, the University theatre seats are very comfortable and easy, and there is free parking – what more could you ask for?” says Fenech.

• Beauty and the Beast is being held at Sir Temi Zammit Hall University Theatre in Tal-Qroqq on Friday, June 3, Saturday, June 4 and Sunday, June 5 at 8pm.

Tickets starting from €12 may be obtained online at www.showshappening.com.

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