Culture
Stepping into the spotlight! Discovering Teatru Manoel through daily and animated tours
Lyndsey Grima joins animated tour guide Jeremy Grech, aka the flamboyant Monsieur Baroque, for a journey through Teatru Manoel’s gilded history, where daily tours meet theatrical magic.

Lyndsey Grima

In the heart of Valletta lies a Baroque gem that has stood the test of time: Teatru Manoel, affectionately known as ‘The Manoel’ by locals. With nearly three centuries of history echoing from its wooden stage, this national theatre is not only one of the oldest operating theatres in Europe but also a living, breathing monument to Malta’s rich cultural heritage. Today, the theatre opens its ornate doors to visitors through immersive daily tours and animated experiences, offering a journey that transcends time, architecture and performance.

A Theatre Like No Other

Commissioned in 1731 by Grand Master António Manoel de Vilhena, Teatru Manoel was built “for the honest entertainment of the people”. That mission continues to shape its legacy. With its intimate 547-seat Main Theatre, adorned in gilded Baroque flourishes and a stunning oval ceiling fresco, and a versatile Studio Theatre used for smaller productions and educational initiatives, The Manoel is both a cultural beacon and a community hub.

But beyond the performances, it’s the theatre’s daily and animated tours that allow the public to truly understand the soul of this iconic venue.

Teatru Manoel tours

Photo: Mitchell Camilleri

Exploring History: The Subtle Magic of Daily Theatre Tours

Teatru Manoel’s daily tours invite guests to explore the theatre’s history, architecture and behind-the-scenes stories. Guided by knowledgeable staff, visitors wander through the elegant Main Theatre, feel the history in the orchestra stalls and tiers, and often catch a glimpse of rehearsals or set building magic depending on the day’s programming.

As a working theatre, no two tours are exactly alike. This unique quality makes sure that each visit feels like a private encounter with Malta’s performing arts legacy. Whether it’s the scent of worn stage wood, the hum of an aria from a distant rehearsal room, or the quiet elegance of the gilded balconies, the daily tour is a meditative dive into the theatre’s ongoing life.

Enter Monsieur Baroque: The Animated Tour Experience

While the traditional tours inspire respect, the animated tours, led by the exuberant Jeremy Grech in collaboration with House of Tours, add a splash of theatrical flair. Enter ‘Monsieur Baroque’, a flamboyant, red-coated character somewhere between Bugs Bunny and Disney’s Genie; Jeremy’s alter ego and the living spirit of Teatru Manoel.

“Theatourism”, as Jeremy describes it, is where theatrics and tourism meet. During the animated tours, Jeremy fully embodies Monsieur Baroque, guiding visitors through the theatre’s history with wit, humour and heartfelt reverence. It’s a sensory-rich, character-led journey through centuries of music, drama and resilience.

Monsieur Baroque doesn’t just walk guests through the venue; he pulls them into a story, one filled with noble patrons, hidden scandals, artistic triumphs, and enduring legacy.

“Most of the people who visit are there for the very first time – surprisingly, that includes many locals. My job as Monsieur Baroque is to serve as the ambassador of the theatre, to create an unforgettable experience for the guests who paid for such a tour,” he shares.

Children are mesmerised by his playful antics and unpredictable energy, while adults find themselves drawn into the narrative by sly historical jokes and striking anecdotes.

Teatru Manoel tours

Photo: Julian Vassallo

Behind the Curtain: Crafting a Living Character

Developing Monsieur Baroque wasn’t simply a matter of costume and make-up. For Jeremy, it involved deep research, theatrical training and a creative vision rooted in history and imagination. Inspired by real figures from the theatre’s past but untethered by strict historical accuracy, Monsieur Baroque exists outside of time – free to comment on events from 1732 to the present with an infectious, timeless energy.

Every detail of the character, from the messy white wig to the commanding cane, is designed to both entertain and manage audiences, striking the perfect balance between theatre and guided storytelling. It’s this blend that makes the animated tour such an unforgettable experience, especially for first-time visitors and families.

Connecting the Past to the Present

Both the daily and animated tours at Teatru Manoel aim to do more than just educate – they aim to connect. As Jeremy shares, one of his favourite moments is witnessing actors and artists visiting the space, sharing their memories, and seeing how the Manoel resonates with creative souls across the globe. “It’s a home,” he says, “a time capsule, a canvas, an echo.”

This resonance is central to the theatre’s enduring appeal. Despite facing war, neglect, pandemics, and cultural shifts, Teatru Manoel remains a sanctuary for the arts; a place where performers still dream of gracing its historic stage.

Teatru Manoel’s tours are not just about showcasing an old building. They are about celebrating the essence of performance, community and survival. They teach us that art is not a luxury but a necessity that binds generations, cultures and strangers together.

From Baroque balconies to intimate rehearsal studios, the tours expose the depth of this theatre’s story; its resilience, elegance and humanity. Whether you prefer the solemn insight of the daily tour or the spirited journey with Monsieur Baroque, you’ll leave with more than just photographs; you’ll leave with a sense of awe and perhaps, a little inspiration.

Teatru Manoel tours

Photo: Mitchell Camilleri

Planning Your Visit

Tours of Teatru Manoel begin at the Box Office and typically last around one hour. The experience may vary slightly depending on what spaces are available, given the theatre’s ongoing performance schedule. This element of unpredictability only adds to the charm – after all, in a working theatre, the show must go on.

The animated tour, led by Jeremy, runs in collaboration with House of Tours and offers a limited number of scheduled dates, so booking in advance is recommended. Whether you’re a theatre lover, history buff or simply curious about Valletta’s cultural heart, this tour is not to be missed.

Teatru Manoel’s tours invite you to step into history, walk the boards and see the world through the eyes of generations of artists. Be it the serene charm of the daily tour or the lively enchantment of the animated experience, each visit promises a rich connection to Malta’s vibrant theatrical heritage.

Daily tours: Monday to Friday 10:30am and 12:00pm.
Animated tours: Tuesday 10:30am and 12:00pm.
For bookings and more information,
visit teatrumanoel.mt

This article first appeared on Guide Me 2025.

18th July 2025


Lyndsey Grima
Written by
Lyndsey Grima
Lyndsey has always been passionate about all things content. She keeps her storytelling skills sharp by exercising physically as she’s a fitness buff and also mentally as she enjoys reading and travelling.

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