It was 40 years ago, in 1978, that the MADC produced the first of what would become an annual appointment with audiences: the Christmas pantomime, an event chock-full of music, dance, humour and spectacle.

The tradition continues this year with Jack and the Beanstalk. Penned by pantomime veteran Malcolm Galea, it is a tale of heroes and villains, of knights and dames.

The plot follows young Jack, who has only ever had one dream − to become a famous knight. Unfortunately, he comes from a dirt-poor family that cannot even afford to keep up with the ever-increasing rent. One day, his village is attacked by giants who take away the girl he loves − presumably to eat her − and Jack needs to pluck up the courage and climb a beanstalk to save her.

Mr Galea this year also takes on the role of the narrator and manages a lively link between the ensemble on stage and the members of the audience, adding a healthy dose of light-hearted and hilarious interaction between the two.

He also directs the show, with a supporting team consisting of musical director Ryan Abela, who has taken over the baton from his father, Paul, vocal coach Roger Tirazona, choreographer Francesco Joseph Nicodeme, set designer Ray Farrugia and costume designer Isabel Warrington.

The ensemble cast is led by Michael Mangion as the Dame, Lady Frakassat, together with Matthew Ben Attard as Jack, Katherine Brown as Fairy Fanfany, Joe Depasquale as Lord Lagħaqi, Christina Despott as Jill, Rachel Tedesco Triccas as the Magic Harp, Audrey Scerri as Fleshcreep and Sean Briffa as Skincrawl.

The characters are accompanied by an energetic all-singing, all-dancing chorus.

Jack and the Beanstalk will be performed at the MFCC in Ta’ Qali on Friday at 7.30pm, on Saturday and on Sunday at 3 and 7.30pm, and on January 3, 4 and 5 at 7.30pm.

Children aged up to two enter free of charge with a toddler ticket but must have a reserved seat with parents/guardians.

For more information, visit www.madc.com.mt.