First Gozo-staged panto taking place this month

For the first time in the history of panto, local theatre company FM Theatre Productions is taking the traditional Christmas pantomime to Gozo.

The company will put on a production of the pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk, which will feature a cast of actor-musicians who will perform on stage with live instruments throughout the evening.

The panto is taking place at the Astra Theatre in Gozo from December 26-30.

This year, the pantomime Jack and The Beanstalk is led by panto veteran Edward Mercieca who will play the role of Dame Fażola Bigilla.

Mercieca is joined by Gianni Selvaggi as the effervescent Jack along with Chiara Hyzler, Tina Rizzo, Sean Borg, Cathy Lawlor, Peter Farrugia and Hannah Attard.

The theatre company’s decision to take the panto to Gozo is a departure from the typical venues associated with the annual Christmas pantomime, which usually takes place at the Manoel Theatre or, previously, at the MFCC.

Edward Mercieca as Dame Fażola Bigilla.

Promising to be of interest to both adults and children, the classic tale being reinterpreted for the Astra stage is infused with the humour one would expect of a Christmas pantomime, which in turn is being melded with the...