Family weekend outings can feel a bit staid, particularly in winter when the weather threatens to cancel plans and freeze out warm ideas of playing outside with friends. And with this week signalling the end of mid-term exams for many of the country’s little ones, staying in slumped in front of the telly, or gazing listlessly at the soulless light of a tablet screen, shouldn't be an option! Instead, give them something new with which to be enthralled, and this children’s opera, Il-Qtates ta’ max-Xatt, premiering this Saturday afternoon at 3pm, might just be the ticket!

The Maltese-language production – an adaptation of children’s author Clare Azzopardi’s sensational picture book - will feature puppetry and music to tell the story of a singing ensemble of stray cats who must come to terms with the absence of an elderly couple who usually visit them every day. To do so, Il-Qtates ta’ max-Xatt, makes use of alliterations, rhymes and rhythms and treats sensitive themes, such as those of loss and love, with colour and charm. 

But this children’s opera, directed by Denise Mulholland and one of the first of its kind to be performed on the island, will only play this weekend, with four shows planned in total. Tickets are going for the very reasonable price of 5 euros, and with a running time of only 40 minutes, you get the chance to take the kids out afterwards for a good stretch of the legs!

Il-Qtates ta’ max-Xatt runs on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th February, with shows starting at 3pm and 6pm on both dates. Suitable for ages 8+

And if you’re in the mood for something else, check these out...

1. Tuesday, 19th February from 7pm: Crusty Jazz Nights - Crust Deli Bakery, St Julian's. 

2. Thursday, 21st February from 6pm – 7.15pm: Pizza Shop Heroes - Studio A, Spazju Kreattiv, Valletta. 

3. Friday, 22nd February from 8pm – 11pm: The Boat, Exclusive Movie Premier - Eden Cinemas Eden Cinemas, St Julian's. 

4. From Friday, 22nd February – Sunday, 24th February: The Two Gentlemen of Verona - Teatru Salesjan, Sliema