The Palace Theatre in Paola is the next theatre to be put into the spotlight: a 1960s venue which was designed by former Maltese Prime Minister Dom Mintoff and decorated with the works of the respected 20th-century Maltese artist Emvin Cremona.

The only theatre in the locality, subtly located in Tarxien Road, Paola, the privately-owned theatre consists of a sprawling floor which seats 500 people, as well as a wide stage for them to look onto.

According to the old publication The Voice of Malta, and more recently quoted by the theatre catalogue Spazji Teatrali, back when it was built, the theatre was “considered a state-of-the-art building, housing a spacious auditorium with single, comfortable chairs, balcony, stalls, acoustic panels, air changing apparatus and two fully equipped bars.” Indeed, the venue was used for a variety of events, including dances, gigs, concerts and parties. 

The Palace Theatre is currently used for occasional events organised for people in the locality - such as coffee mornings and parties. Like in the case of other theatres, The Palace Theatre has lately also been used by local contemporary bands for concerts and album launches. Indie band Stalko performed at The Palace Theatre for the launch of their last album in 2016, No Snow No Alps took to the stage in 2017, and pop band The Travellers held a concert there in 2018, breathing some life into the cultural treasure.

Find out more about this and other theatres across the islands in Spazji Teatrali - A Catalogue of Theatres in Malta and Gozo.