The magical and mysterious orient

With just weeks to go until opening night, the extensive ensemble of MADC’s pantomime Aladdin is being kept busy with rehearsals under the direction of Michael Mangion, vocal coach Roger Tirazona, musical director Ryan Abela, and choreographer Francesco Nicodeme.
Yet while the acting, dancing and singing fills the MADC’s Club­rooms with drama, elaborate toe-tapping dance moves, and melodious harmonies, the backstage team are hammering, sewing, and painting in preparation for opening night on December 23.
The panto’s behind-the-scenes operation is as vibrant and de­manding as what goes on onstage. “The setting of the story – in the magical and mysterious Orient – has inspired the creative team to come up with some amazing and spectacular designs,” says Mangion. “We have a whole army of people that numbers way more than the cast, including our departments for wardrobe, set and prop construction, lighting, projections, and sound, and the marketing and front-of-house teams – it is one of the largest teams we have ever had. They are all coming together to bring the production to life, and the results are already so exciting.”

MADC audiences this year will be treated to an array of...