Christmas always comes early for FM Theatre Productions as they start working well in advance on their next Christmas panto.
“It all begins with the title,” FM Theatre’s executive producer, Luke Mercieca, said, referring to the annual Christmas panto.
“Choosing the title – Sleeping Beauty – was the first pivotal step in producing this pantomime as it determined the tone of the show and every other step that followed.”
The very popular traditional fairy tale had then to be adapted for the stage, turning it into a panto, which means writing a hilarious and adventurous script for the show.
“We like to draw on the strengths of our expressive, funny and energetic cast,” Mr Mercieca remarked.
“That always helps to underpin what’s written! The results definitely shine this year.”
Panto stalwart, producer and performer, Edward Mercieca, not only penned the script but also features on stage – indeed, centre stage – as the larger-than-life Dame Nanna Kola. He is ably supported by some of the island’s household names and rising stars.
A dedicated chorus started rehearsals in mid-October, working on and perfecting the panto’s musical mix of pop songs, musical theatre tracks and classic tunes.
The cast itself began preparations in November when the backstage crew was also already hard at work, building the set, finding the props and designing the special effects as Denise Mulholland focused on the colourful costumes.
Luke Mercieca admitted he enjoyed seeing everybody hard at work, gelling together to come up with something “truly magical”.
“At one point during a rehearsal, you realise the ideas we had in our minds are now flourishing on stage. That and, of course, receiving our first feedback from the audience on opening night, are among my top panto moments,” he said.
Sleeping Beauty, which kicked off on December 23, will be staged at the Manoel Theatre, in Valletta, on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday at 3 and 8pm, on Friday at 8pm and on Sunday at 3pm.
For more information go to www.teatrumanoel.com.mt, phone 2124 6389 or send an e-mail to bookings@teatrumanoel.com.mt.
