On January 5, my daughters and I went to the Manoel Theatre to watch Cinderella. We were looking forward to it and enjoyed it, although in the second part of it, The Baron’s Hallway, I had the urge to tell them okay, enough of this, what’s next?

I know that in panto one is free to tease without being “punished” or drawing negative feedback from the politician or personality being satirised. Even to comment or criticise your competitor (Alan Montanaro’s panto in this case) is okay. But calling the audience ħamalli (low-class and uncultured) just because they have been to watch the other panto is a low form of humour.

At one point, Hallina Blafloos (Toni Atard) asked: “Who are they?” (pointing to the audience). “Are they ħamallas?” and Fallina Blafloos (Edward Mercieca) answered: “No, they are not. Ħamallas went to see Scrooge!”

By what right? I am sure that many in the audience at Cinderella had already been or were planning to see Scrooge. There was no need to insult them. Even so-called ħamallas like theatre and pay to watch plays anyway.

I remember a time when I was watching Mssrs Mercieca and Montanaro in the same play and I adore them both. What happened between them is their business but Mr Mercieca should keep the audience out of it.

I am sure that many, many more people would make the trip to Ta’ Qali if some transport were provided for those who do not own a car or don’t drive.