Like so many local performers, Taryn Mamo Cefai got her first taste for the stage at school, where she took part in Prize Day productions from a young age. “I think I was very lucky to attend a school that gave so much importance to theatre, and had a very well-equipped stage that we could use on a daily basis,” she says of her alma mater, St Monica’s in Gzira.

And although Taryn was originally a musical theatre performer – having completed training in the subject at Bird College in the UK – she soon ventured into the local TV world, and never looked back. In fact, recent highlights include her portrayal of leading lady Lydia on the hit show Strada Stretta, which tells the story of Valletta’s notorious historic red light road, Strait Street.

Now, though, Taryn is taking to the stage in the MADC’s latest production – Neil Simon’s California Suite. The show – directed by Joe Depasquale and Justin Kyle Camilleri – is set within a hotel suite in the Beverley Hills Hotel. “Although it deals with realistic situations of marriage regret, infidelity and the pitfalls of fame, it’s actually very light and funny,” Taryn says, adding that she plays two characters within the four-part show. “I would say Diana is my favourite of the two, and she appears in Visitors from London. She’s an over-the-top dramatic diva with an emotional side that we watch evolve throughout the play. I think, as actors, we can relate to her very well!”

Talking about the play, Taryn describes California Suite as a great night out, with realistic stories and humour that will have the audience in fits. As for the local theatre scene in general she stresses that it’s founded on true passion. “This definitely comes across in the shows that are presented and the level of acting achieved,” she continues.

California Suite will be performed at the MADC Playhouse in Sta Venera – a dinky theatre housed within the premises of the oldest acting club on the island. “It’s lovely working here,” Taryn says, although she highlights the Manoel Theatre as her favourite venue overall. “The architecture and general feeling you get when walking inside it takes me back to my childhood days watching the annual Christmas pantomime,” she smiles.

Finally, Taryn makes her recommendations for what culture-lovers should see while in Malta. “It’s imperative to spend time in Valletta if you love the arts,” she says. “I can’t think of any other capital city that’s as booming with events or culture pop-up projects at the moment. It is the European Capital of Culture after all!”

California Suite is playing at the MADC Playhouse in St Venera from 9-11 and 16-18 March. The production is in English. Tickets are available here.