Pinocchio at Catholic Institute

The Royal Theatre Company’s pantomime at the Catholic Institute this year is Pinocchio.

Pinocchio is a guaranteed fun and spectacular night out, boasting a formidable cast which has now become the norm for the annual production. The cast includes Toni Busuttil, Mario Snits Spiteri, Simon Curmi, Mario Camilleri, Ina Robinich, Brian Farrrugia, J Anvil, Julie Pomorski, Alan Falzon, Mario Camilleri, Bernice Darmanin and Franky Borg, among others.

For the first time ever, the direction is in the hands of Ray Abdilla, while the members of the Yada Dance Company, under the choreographic direction of Felix Busuttil, will grace the stage as they have in previous years.

The live band will be directed by Abigail Brown, and Pawlu Testa is the producer for the show.

• Pinocchio is being held at the Catholic Institute on Tuesday at 10am and 4pm, December 26 at 2.30pm and 7.30pm, December 27 at7pm, December 28 at 7.30pm, December 29 at 2pm and 6.30pm, December 30 at 7pm, January 3 at 7.30pm, January 4 at 7pm, January 5 at 2pm and 6.30pm, January 11 at 7pm, and January 12 at 2pm and 6.30pm. Tickets at €10.50, €13.50, €15.50, €16.50, €17.50 or €18.50 may be obtained from the booking office and the bar at the Catholic Institute, online from www.istitutkattoliku.com or www.kumpanijateatrurjal.com or by calling Carmen Azzopardi, Tereza Bazaar and Pawlu Testa Travel in 2122 3340 or 9947 6468.

Treasure Island at MFCC

Alan Montanaro as Long John Swagger with Tina Rizzo, Mama Sufia Kerapestska.

“X” marks the spot on this year’s map for family entertainment – the destination is MADC’s Treasure Island at the Malta Fairs and Convention Centre at Ta’ Qali opening today.

Join in the fun with Alan Montanaro, as Long John Swagger, Alexander G. Lewis, the handsome young hero Jim Hawkins and Jean Pierre Busuttil, the outrageous Mama Sufia Kerapestska, the hero’s mother; as they set out on an epic hunt for untold riches to be found on the mysterious Treasure Island.

The fabled treasure also contains a magic voodoo amulet and if Jim manages to find it in time, he may just be able to save the Squire’s daughter, Miss Huta, from her terrible curse before it’s too late.

However, it doesn’t help that Long John Swagger and his rather unscrupulous pirate friends have also come along for the ride.

Playing the baddy is great fun for Montanaro. “You get a whole different barrel of reactions from the audience and playing a derivative of the arch villain, Long John Silver, is a role I couldn’t wait to sink my teeth into. “I’m enjoying developing the character into one that is both nasty but also strangely likable. Both being infamous pirates, I’ve been careful to steer well clear of Captain Hook, who I had the immense pleasure of playing a few years ago and have given this character shades of Theodore ‘T-bag’ Bagwell from Prison Break fame where every syllable in every word he speaks is articulated and annunciated with malice and relish. “My having a metallic leg and a mechanical parrot as a companion that can embarrass people, adds a quirky dimension to Long John Swagger.

“I’ve been asked whether I will miss playing Dame and the answer is yes – but not at the expense of enjoying being the panto villain. They are not mutually exclusive and are both great characters to play.”

It’s Busuttil’s fourth appearance as Dame.

“My Mama Sufia is different from any other Dame I brought to life so far and I may also say, different from any other Dame ever played... she is Russian, a loveable character and a business woman. She adores her only son Jim and money and wants more of it.”

Writer and director Malcolm Galea has press ganged a cast that includes Katherine Brown, Joseph Zammit, Steffi Thake, Michael Mangion, Joe Depasquale, Tina Rizzo and Rambert Attard, all playing interesting three-dimensional characters.

A high energy chorus and a mermaid or two make Treasure Island something special. Maestro Paul Abela and Roger Tirazona will provide the lively music and songs, and Alison White the exciting choreography.

Claudio Apap’s scenery with large projection screens transform MFCC into a world of magic and make-believe. Add in outrageous costumes designed by Isabel Warrington and you have a most spectacular and enjoyable Christmas extravaganza for the whole family.

• Treasure Island is being held at MFCC until January 3. Tickets at €10 may be obtained by e-mail: bookings@madc.com.mt, online from www.madc.com.mt or by calling 77776232.

Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood at Manoel Theatre

Edward Mercieca as the Dame. Photo: Janis Luste

FM Theatre Productions’ Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood promises to be a magical spectacular that the whole family will love.

It stars theatrical legend Edward Mercieca in the hilarious role of the Dame.

Based loosely on the story of the legendary and heroic outlaw, Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood will see King Richard setting off to the Crusades in the East, leaving his evil sister in charge of the kingdom. With taxation at an all-time high, and the two heirs to the throne at her mercy, it’s up to Robin Hood and his merry men to save the day.

“Of course, audiences can expect cauldronsful of magic thanks to the Babes in the Woods, as well as an archery tournament, a fairy, a sorceress, loads of bumble bees, Minions, medieval kids’ games, spooky forests, a Jurassic Park, a shopping bag and an incredible land full of candy,” said producer Luke Mercieca.

On top of Edward Mercieca’s role as Dame, the main cast will include Maxine Aquilina as Robin Hood, Sarah Mercieca as Maid Marianne, Tiziana Calleja as the Evil Queen, Stephen Oliver as the evil Sheriff of Nottingham, Marco Calleja as Little John, Renato Dimech as Big Illa, Franco Sciberras as Friar Tuck, Victoria Hubers as Fairy Hollandairse, Antonella Mifsoode as Alana Dale, Michaela Farrugia as Marelli and Lisa Mifsud as Madoffi.

“Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood is a fast-paced, traditional, laugh-a-minute pantomime, with a great mix of music, ranging from big 2015 hits to songs from musical theatre,” the director continues.

“It’s a typical FM Theatre Productions’ panto, where the jokes are primed for adults but just as funny for the kids. In other words, it’s a true family-show laced with political satire and in which good triumphs over evil… All in the intimate setting of the Manoel Theatre!”

• Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood is being held at the Manoel Theatre on Tuesday and Wednesday; December 26-30 and again on January 2, 3 and 4 at 3pm and 8 pm.

Tickets between €18 and €27.50 may be obtained from e-mail bookings@teatrumanoel.com.mt, online from teatrumanoel.com.mt or by calling 2124 6389.

For more information visit FM Theatre Productions’ Facebook page or visit www.fmtheatre.com. Direct line: 9926 6770.