Photos by Sean Mallia

So many towns and villages around Malta and Gozo have beautiful theatres tucked in their narrow streets, and while some are still used for the odd play or school talent show, others are barely known by the vast majority of the population.

Here are some beautiful theatres around the island which you might know and love… and others which you might have never heard of before.

1. The Palace Theatre, Paola

Inaugurated in 1962, the theatre was designed and built by architect and former Prime Minister Dom Mintoff. At the time, it was considered a state-of-the-art building, and is still seen as one of the island’s most beautiful buildings.

Possibly the tombla mecca of Malta, The Palace Theatre has also more recently been used as performance space for bands like Stalko and nosnow/noalps.

2. Blue Arena, Żabbar

Part of a band club, this open-air arena is renowned as a party space during the festa period. The Blue Arena’s historical Art Deco façade is the only one of its kind in the entire country, making it of considerable cultural value.

Yesterday, one of Malta’s most popular alternative bands Brodu performed alongside scene newcomers Djun to a packed audience. And while the music was definitely ethereal enough to have everyone falling in love with the Maltese lyrics, the venue itself was definitely the talk of the town.

3. Dun Mikiel Xerri Hall, Żebbuġ

This imposing theatre is mostly used for an enormous passion play; we have inside information that there are more people performing than available seating! Dun Mikiel Xerri Hall is situated in a multi-purpose hall built in the 1950s just across the road from the Żebbuġ Parish Church.

4. St. Vincent De Paul Residence Theatre, Luqa

Housed in a public residence for the elderly, this theatre can be used for various types of performances and is frequented by both the residents and members of the general public.

5. Dun Edgar Hall, Mġarr

While there isn’t much written history about it, Dun Edgar Hall’s theatre company used to organize a nationwide competition where drama groups from around the island would go there and compete with a performance.

Basically being the hub for the theatre version of the Malta Song Contest for many years, Dun Edgar Hall needs a good face-lift but still has a magical aura to it.

6. Mnarja Band Club Theatre, Nadur

Proof that Nadur is not only about the annual Street Carnival. This theatre is a well-kept community space which hosts anything from concerts and farces to musicals and the popular Nadur Song Festival.

7. De Porres Cultural & Pastoral Centre Theatre, Sliema

Gracefully sitting in the Sliema seafront complex of the Dominican Friar’s complex, this theatre has been the best possible rating for its state of maintenance is practically new.

It has a long history of performances, and is also mentioned in actor, screenwriter and producer David Sale’s memoir Number 96, Mavis Bramston and Me.

8. The Archbishop’s Seminary, Rabat

Tucked away in the splendid Tal-Virtu’ area, The Archbishop’s Seminary actually has two theatres!

One theatre is located in a school hall and is used for religious functions, prize-giving ceremonies and other school-related events. The other, smaller theatre is situated in a state-of-the-art school hall and is used for larger school productions.

9. Teatru Ġiovanni, Xewkija

One of the lesser-known theatres, this theatre is part of the parish centre in Xewkija. It’s a medium-sized proscenium arch theatre, which in simpler terms means it’s an absolutely gorgeous work of art.

10. Mount Carmel Hospital Community Theatre

Part of the Mount Carmel Hospital in Attard, the MCHCT is frequented both by the hospital community and by the Maltese public in general, and hosts different types of performances.

In a move that definitely got the theatre on more people’s radar, local alternative heavyweights Brikkuni launched their new album here last May. The band also performed in other theatres around Malta, including Gżira’s Orpheum and Valletta’s Manoel Theatre. Some months later, another band from the local alternative scene, Eyes to Argus, released their own album here.

Photos by Chris Vella / Storbju

Of course, all these theatres barely scratch the surface.

A recent study carried out by Valletta 2018 and commissioned by Arts Council Malta has led to the publishing of Spazji Teatrali: A Catalogue of Theatres in Malta and Gozo. The detailed catalogue explores 78 theatres and theatre spaces across the Maltese islands.

Tag a friend who’d love to visit these theatres!

READ NEXT: Things About Gzira’s Past That Every Resident Should Know

David Grech Urpani

Lovin Malta's former Head of Content, Dave has been in journalism for the better half of the last decade. Prefers Instagram, but has been known to doomscroll on TikTok. Loves chicken, women's clothes and Kanye West (most of the time).