Jack And The Beanstalk Panto Makes History And Goes To Teatru Astra Gozo For The First Time Ever
Christmas traditions vary from family to family. Whether it’s panettone for breakfast, watching Home Alone or a month of elf shenanigans, one tradition that many families share is an outing to the Panto.
Many of us have fond memories of afternoons spent in the theatre. Bright lights, extravagant costumes, singing, dancing and of course some baddies to boo. Panto is back once again, but this time with a twist.
For the first time in panto history, this Christmas, FM Theatre Productions are bringing panto to the majestic Teatru Astra in Gozo from the 26th till the 30th of December.
And that’s not all. This year, the Jack and The Beanstalk pantomime is made up of a stellar cast of Actor-Musicians, led by panto veteran Edward Mercieca as Dame Fazola Biglla on bass guitar. Mercieca is joined by Gianni Selvaggi as the effervescent Jack along with Chiara Hyzler, Tina Rizzo, Sean Borg, Cathy Lawlor, Peter Farrugia, Dan Ganado and Hannah Attard.
Promising to delight adults and children alike, the classic tale is infused with the humour and charm that one would expect of a Christmas Pantomime together with the electric excitement of a rock and roll concert.
And not to worry! All patrons travelling from Malta for the Panto will be able to make it back in time to Malta that same evening. With shows start at 14:30 on the 26th, 28th and 30th and at 18:30 on the 27th and 29th there is plenty of time to get the ferry back of travelling from the sister isle.
Jack’s plans to marry Jill come to a screeching halt when a terrifying giant threatens to devour Jill unless he is given a sack of gold. He turns to his loud and brassy mother, Dame Fazola Bigilla for help, who concocts a plan to come up with the life-saving sack of gold. Hilarity ensues when the Dame’s plans go awry.
Pressure mounts as the Squire of the land, Jill’s father, insists on the poor family obtaining the treasured collection, aggravated by the hilariously incompetent Billy played by panto favourite Chiara Hyzler.
With contemporary jokes and Maltese references woven into the script by Peter Rowe, the whimsical journey up the beanstalk is not scarce of the traditional panto elements and characteristics that will have audiences cheering and chanting classic call-backs at the top of their lungs.
Directed by Chris Gatt, the unexpected twists and turns that the protagonists find themselves in are nothing short of typical panto ludicracy that will keep audiences laughing uncontrollably scene after scene.
The actor-musicians, under the Musical Direction of Cathy Lawlor, will be playing some of the most iconic tunes from the likes of music legends such as Queen, Bruno Mars, Fleetwood Mac and James Brown to name a few. Classic rock and classic panto is the perfect mix for the whole family to enjoy!
Jack and The Beanstalk is an FM Theatre Production in collaboration with Teatru Astra and is supported by The Ministry of Gozo and The Cultural Heritage Directorate.
BONUS: Are you a Gozitan student following a course in the arts or have an interest in the visual and performing arts?
Then look no further. The Cultural Heritage Directorate, Ministry for Gozo is offering Gozitan students starting from the age of 12 years old, the opportunity to watch the Jack and the Beanstalk Pantomime for just €5
That’s right! Tickets are being subsidised to €5 only
Follow this link to find out more.
Are you ready to make history?