It’s time for the latest instalment of Dingle Bells, Malcolm Smells. Here, Jo Caruana is given quick insight into the rehearsal process behind one of Malta’s funniest shows – and gets the giggles.

Not every Maltese show that does so well gets to come back again. And again. But that’s exactly what the Dingle Bells, Malcolm Smells brand has achieved, and now it’s back for its third edition – and selling out.

We forged ahead with the idea of a sketch show but, as the date rolled by, we couldn’t help but notice that we hadn’t actually prepared any sketches

So what’s hitting the right mark?

“The shows are really, really funny,” says Chris Dingli, one of the three creators. “That’s not a self-congratulatory statement. It’s all thanks to the audiences who come to the show ready to join in and have a fun night out. We don’t force people to take part, but the more they do, the better the show usually is. It’s unpredictable, topical, silly and just very funny.”

Contrary to almost all other festive offerings, Dingle Bells Malcolm Smells: The Secret of the Floppadong will target an 18-plus audience. Patrons know they’re in for a naughty-but-nice time at the hands of Dingli, as well as comics Malcolm Galea and Wesley Ellul, all of whom have been best buddies since they met at Junior College.

In fact, the show originally came about because the trio wanted to work together and do something fun. It was Christmas 2010 when they found themselves with nothing to do, so they booked dates at St James ­Cavalier.

“I guess other producers were put off by all the Christmas competition, so the dates were free and we went for it. We forged ahead with the idea of a sketch show but, as the date rolled by, we couldn’t help but notice that we hadn’t actually prepared any sketches,” says Galea, a well-known script and screenwriter who has also played a huge variety of parts on stage.

“Rather than back away, it was decided that we’d use the same tactic we had used repeatedly during our university years whenever we had to do a presentation that we hadn’t deigned to prepare for. We made some loose notes, added a huge element of improvisation and sort of winged it.”

It was that improvisation aspect that actually won audiences over, and the show was an instant hit. “To our delight people seemed to love it and we’re looking forward to giving them more to look forward to this year.”

The team is now busily putting the final touches on the show, which opens next weekend. And that’s no mean feat when one of the key team members lives overseas.

“Rehearsing can be quite tricky,” Dingli says. “We generally start discussing the show on Skype, usually late at night when we’re all too tired to think properly. I then come to Malta in early December and that’s when the work really starts. We eat a lot of pizza, waste time on the internet and play with Malcolm’s son, Ethan. Then Wesley comes along and forces us to do some proper work.”

Galea agrees. “Chris and I usually spend our rehearsal days catching up, eating lunch and watching movies. It is only as evening draws in and we know Wesley will be on his way that we sit up and get something done. As the director, he’s there to keep a close eye on us, which he does. With him cracking the whip, we then work long into the night, before starting afresh the next day.”

Over the years, each of the trio has individually focused on one aspect of theatre; Ellul on directing, Dingli on acting and Galea on writing. This gives a good synergy to their team.

“Additionally, our undeniable yet oft-underrated good looks are a major factor in the equation,” Galea quips. “People may lie to their friends and even to themselves that they’re coming for the comedy but they’re really just coming to ogle at us…”

Sure they are. But what do the team think will actually please audiences about this year’s offering?

“Well, the general consensus was that the second edition of our show was even better than the first one. This being the third instalment, it’s only natural that audiences will expect a superior show.

“However, when you think about it, coming up with a better show year after year is really hard work. Apart from that, you’re only setting a precedent where you’re going to have to work even harder every year. Also, since people will be expecting a better show, by providing them with one we would be being predictable.

“Therefore, our reasoning for this year is to surprise audiences with a crappy show. We can’t wait to show it to them!”

And with that, Malta’s trio of theatrical lads head back to their gruelling rehearsal schedule in anticipation of their almost-sold- out run.

Bring on the Floppadong!

Tickets, starting from €10, can be bought online through theatregonewrong.com or by calling St James Cavalier on 2122 3200.