The theatre scene in Malta is thriving and who other to speak to than Edward Mercieca – legendary actor, talented scriptwriter and key dame in many an FM Panto. Kristina Cassar Dowling discovers more.
Meeting with Edward Mercieca – a theatre buff who wears many hats not only on stage but also in his day-to-day life – was as eventful and colourful as any stage production he is involved in. With Buttons, the family dog shadowing Edward’s every move, photographers and videographers shuffled in and out of rooms to capture the actor in his best light. Our discussion dug deep into a number of topics mainly cultural matters that have shaped 2018.
This year saw the 20th Anniversary of FM Productions and Stagecoach Malta. The latter has established itself as a theatre school for children ranging from the ages of four to 18 and, to celebrate this milestone, 30 Stagecoach students found themselves on the way to the UK where they attempted to beat the Guinness World Book of Records record for the biggest cast of Beauty and the Beast together with other members of Stagecoach International Arts Schools at the Birmingham Symphony Hall. Stagecoach Malta students often take trips overseas to perform in state-of-the-art theatres such as Her Majesty’s Theatre in the West End.
"Other highlights for the budding actors have included taking part in the Vienna International Choir Festival just before Christmas as well as trips to perform at Disneyland Paris that take place every two years. Participation in the Salzburg Choir Festival is planned for July 2019," Edward says, with a justifiable touch of pride.
Busting out some killer solos and mind-blowing theatrical performances
As far as 2018’s celebrations go, FM Productions also had its fair share of accomplishments. With back-to-back shows for My Fair Lady and Mamma Mia! dominating, where sing-alongs and exhilarated crowds begged for more as the curtains closed on both exquisite productions. But 2018 is not over yet and there are quite a few shows left to enjoy – shows that all theatre goers, adults and children alike wait for with great expectation and an insurmountable amount of anticipation… panto! Yes, ladies and gentlemen it’s panto season and, taking on the classic story of Sleeping Beauty, Edward and his team of experts are set on delivering a crowd pleasing show that is expected to bring the house down with an ever-capturing plot, jaw-dropping effects and a whole lot of fun. You’ll be at the edge of your seats as this year’s fairies and the star villain fly across the stage right before your very eyes. You heard right folks, these cast members will woosh across the stage in full flight; captivating the audience with their full-on acrobatics – a adding a touch of Christmas magic to the show. Another showstopper will be other special effects aimed to wow the crowd during the matinees and evening shows.
This year, much to the public’s delight, Edward will be playing the dame, Nanna Kola, nanny to Princess Aurora, better known as the Sleeping Beauty. Get yourselves ready for elaborate clothing full of colour and utter craziness where a 60” bosom and 70” bottom will take centre-stage for a good portion of the show.
"As in all panto productions, political satire, lyrical creativity and spot-on theatrical performances are to be expected from the FM Productions professionals. With every panto comes a message, a theme and take-home thought that is aimed at inspiring the audience; this year the environment will be the focus for the production of Sleeping Beauty," Edward says.
Malta’s recognition of environmental affairs is growing, the public are well-aware of the changes we need to make to save our planet and this Christmas panto is set at driving this concern home to the little kids and bigger kids alike.
With so much going on in Edward’s theatre ways, there’s one medium in which he breaks away from the hustle and bustle of the stage and all it entails - musical expression. True, music might not be too detached from the ways of drama and the theatrical arts, but the soothing sounds of the bass take him to a world of peace and tranquility. His studio is packed with bass guitars, his latest addition being the double bass, all of which are stacked and carefully tended to – welcoming friends and fellow musicians to jam sessions when a serious chill session is in order. Inspired by 1970s rock such as that of Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin to name a few, as well as the progressive sounds of Camel and Jethro Tull’s Ian Anderson, it’s no wonder that one of Edward’s major projects for 2019 will involve a show for champions.
Next October, FM Productions will venture into a bold and ambitious showcase of one of classic rock’s biggest names – Queen’s We Will Rock You is making its way to our shores with open auditions aimed at busting out some killer solos and mind-blowing theatrical performances, all accompanied by the indescribable music of Queen. Topping this production will be a hard task, but let’s not put it past Edward Mercieca to blow our minds with yet another crowd-roaring production in years to come.
This feature first appeared in the Sunday Circle magazine. Browse the magazine for free using the TOM Mag app, available for download in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.