Grab a buddy, pick a show, get out of the cold and enjoy some festive spirit on stage.
If you’re in Malta this winter season and hoping to see some theatre, you’re in luck: the island provides a treasure trove of on-stage antics at this time of year. Perfect for adults or families keen to get a taste of local culture in an alternative form, it’s simply a case of whizzing through our list, selecting your favourites and booking your tickets.
Verbi: mill-bieb ’il ġewwa
7-9 December
It’s a little bit theatre and a little bit visual arts, but this event promises to be 100 per cent fascinating. Spearheaded by award-winning author Loranne Vella, the project seeks to blur the boundaries between art and performance, and has been devised by eight multinational individuals. It’s an opportunity to witness some of Malta’s most talented alternative artists in action, while also enjoying the modern charms of the stunning Valletta Contemporary venue. We guarantee it’ll be a little bit different but highly engaging.
APS Teatru Unplugged
7-9 December
An absolute stalwart for music lovers, Teatru Unplugged has been packing Malta’s national theatre – Teatru Manoel – for 21 years, and shows no signs of slowing. Promising a vibrant mix of five different music acts across a fun-packed couple of hours, it gives audiences the chance to enjoy this historic venue in a completely different (unplugged) way.
Maltese Funny Business
22 December
Comedy lovers are in for a treat when well-known UK stand-up Tom Houghton swings into Malta for one night only on 22 December, to kick-start the laughs this season (more on that below). Fresh from his sell-out Edinburgh Festival tour, Tom will be supported by Sandra Gauci and Tanya Malta, and MCed by Paul Pennington.
Sleeping Beauty – The Panto
23 December – 6 January
Bringing plenty of magic and sparkle to Teatru Manoel this Christmas is Sleeping Beauty – performed in full-blown pantomime style. Panto is actually a huge tradition in Malta at Christmas – complete with a manly dame, flying fairies, a beautiful princess, a charming prince and lots of slapstick. It’s given a Maltese twist every year but still perfectly enjoyable to an international audience – and fabulous for families looking for some cross-generational entertainment.
Jack and the Beanstalk
23 December – 5 January
Because we believe one panto is never enough, thankfully the island has two fantastic English-speaking pantomimes for you to choose from. This one is put together by one of the island’s oldest theatre companies – the MADC – and this is their 40th anniversary edition. With a fabulous big-band sound, all-out musical numbers and incredible costumes, it’s a spectacle the whole family will relish.
Comedy Knights
26 December – 13 January
Rounding off the year with their trademark, in-your-face satire, the Comedy Knights’ sell-out festive show is the first place to head to if you want the low down on how Malta’s year has panned out. Written by some of the island’s top comedians, it provides a great adult-only introduction to the highs and lows of island life, with plenty of wit and silliness thrown in. The odd bit of it may be in Maltese, but we still take visiting friends along… because they love it!