Having just returned to the UK from a rather mellow Christmas in Malta, I feel compelled to write a word of thanks to the cast and crew of Scrooge – A Christmas Panto for putting up one of the best pantomimes I have ever attended both in Malta and the UK. This adaptation of Charles Dickens’s classic was spectacular, uplifting and hugely entertaining with just the right mix of spookiness, pathos and roaring humour. The message of redemption and the importance of generosity that’s so important during the festive season comes across strongly.

In particular, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and thank Alan Montanaro who, year in year out, manages to bring joy and laughter to literally thousands of people from all walks of life. I have followed the career of this tireless entertainer for some years now and he just keeps pulling out wonderful surprises from his Poppinsian bag of tricks.

Mr Montanaro is one of Malta’s best loved comedians and this year he not only penned the MADC pantomime but also brought his well-loved alter ego into the mix as the outrageous panto dame. His charisma on stage reaches out to the furthest corners of the theatre and his enjoyment of what he does is truly infectious. Here is an individual with the ability to entertain and change people’s moods for the better. He had over 1,000 people eating out of the palm of his hand on the night we watched.

I am particularly grateful to him this year because we have recently gone through a family bereavement and weren’t really in the mood for panto – but, again, Mr Montanaro provided just the tonic we needed.

Really, on behalf of my extended family, we would like to publicly thank this talented entertainer.