The Manoel Theatre is possibly one of the grandest theatres on the island that has withstood the test of time (and a couple of World War II bombs). Just as it is now, back in the day it was the go-to destination for a night out at the theatre, among other things.

The Manoel was actually also used as a cinema in the mid to late 1920s and early 1930s. In a post on Facebook, Teatru Manoel quotes local Paul Micallef who says his family was born and raised in a room above the theatre and his father used to sneak into the theatre while the movies were being censored. A night out at the pictures was quite the treat back then!

The theatre, known to be Europe’s third oldest working theatre, was also the hub for celebrations and dances back in the day. Ladies and gentlemen would gather in the hall, dancing the night away dressed in their very best. And who knows? Maybe some even fell in love in this glorious theatre!

Coronation celebrations were also held in 1937, in honour of Britain (and Malta’s) new monarch, King George VI. Maltese school children are seen waving the Union Jack in the theatre in mid-1937.

While Queen Elizabeth II hadn’t visited the islands back then, she is known to hold Malta in a special place in her heart. She has visited Malta a few times, even calling our sunny islands ‘home’ for a while, living here with Prince Philip as newlyweds for two years. During her stay, she attended various events including ones held at the Manoel. She, along with Prince Philip, can be spotted in the theatre’s royal box, smack in the middle, in the photo below.

How gorgeous is this Maltese theatre?