A modern fairy tale about finding your voice when nobody seems to be listening will come to life through a new musical at the Manoel Theatre.

Teatru Manoel’s education programme Toi Toi, in collaboration with the Valletta 2018 Foundation, will present the original musical, written and directed by Denise Mulholland, with music and lyrics by Luke Saydon and performed by Teatru Manoel Youth Theatre between March 17 and 19.

Gus Nightingale is a little boy from a musical family. When tragedy strikes he and his father lose their ability to communicate with each other. And when the very dreadful thing happens to him, there is no one for him to turn to. So Gus makes a decision. From that day onwards he will not say a word.

Every day Gus passes the locked-up music shop on his way to school. One day, when he is at his lowest, the shop opens. Gus meets the owner of the shop, Clementine Pickles and discovers to his joy that she is able to hear his inner voice. In the cluttered shop Gus notices a conductor's baton. Nobody knows the power of this baton but Clemmie's orders are to keep it safe and sound.

As Gus is about to go home the unexpected happens.

Can a silent little boy overcome the villainous maestro and save the world? And even more importantly, can this silent little boy overcome his own fears and save himself?

Tickets are selling at €10 and the musical is suitable for anyone aged 8+. There are also school performances on March 16 and 20. Tickets can be purchased from www.teatrumanoel.com.mt, bookings@teatrumanoel.com.mt or calling 2124 6389.