The local hit production Porn the Musical has been pimped up for its London debut in two weeks.

Although there is still no nudity, some parts are a little more suggestive now, according to co-writer Malcolm Galea.

The show is being presented in a somewhat raunchier way, but the tone is still very much the same. The musical tells the tale of a Maltese man who leaves his home and gets embroiled in the adult film industry.

The biggest plot change was to make the character of Martin Scoresleazy more sinister and manipulative since it was felt the show lacked an antagonist.

The rest of the changes mainly serve to retell the plot in a more detailed way. The bulk of the second act still takes place in Malta.

The plot has been beefed up and certain jokes amended so as to be more appealing to London audiences, while two new songs (Do As I Say and Shut Up and Listen) have been included.

The original writers (Mr Galea, Boris Cezek and Kris Spiteri) played a key role in making the changes to the book and lyrics along with director Paul Robinson.

Mr Galea explains the Maltese element was never under threat and "Malta probably features even more strongly in this version than ever before".

Although the male lead has a slight Maltese accent, it is not heavy. The majority of characters are American and they are going all out with the accents since English audiences enjoy making fun of Americans.

Mr Galea is the only original cast member in the new version though Mr Spiteri is still musical director and together with Mr Cezek he will play music live.

The original cast was not used for different reasons. Firstly, since many had full time jobs it was impossible for them to take off so much time for the show. Also, the London cast are cheaper in that accommodation and flight costs do not need to be covered.

Although the local cast did an excellent job, being nominated for Best New Musical at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival last summer and snatching a five-star and four four-star reviews, a professional cast was needed.

Professional Maltese actors living in London did audition, but were not chosen.

Having Mr Galea on set makes sense for new director Mr Robinson as it allows him to have the writer and composers close at hand if last minute changes are required.

Mr Galea says he is "really enjoying working with the London cast although mostly he's enjoying having somebody else direct the show so he can just focus on his own performance and the script.

"The cast is wonderful to work with and I'm learning a lot from them - not to mention watching Mr Robinson in action."

The theatre itself (Theatre 503) is also exciting to work at.

It is a tiny space above a pub that only seats 60 people but an important one in the London fringe scene.

Earlier this week, the Olivier Award for best play went to On the Mountaintop, which had premiered at Theatre 503 last year before making a West End transfer.

Porn the Musical will debut on April 6 and run until May 1. For more information visit www.thepornmusical.com and www.theatre503.com.

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