MADC brings ‘Snow White’ to the stage this Christmas

Every Christmas, pantomime in Malta carries a responsibility. Audiences love this nostalgic festive fixture – yet they also want to be surprised, delighted, warmed. Panto must at once be both steeped in tradition and wonderfully, magically modern.

Two local panto legends are well-versed in this delicate balancing act of tradition meets modernity – and this year, they join forces to sprinkle their magic and experience over MADC’s Snow White.

Indeed, the show’s writer and costume designer has become so synonymous with panto in Malta, he’s earned the nickname ‘Pantonaro’. Working on panto is a year-round adventure, shares Alan Montanaro.

“I think about the next year’s show while the current one is still running. I’m giving away my trade secrets here!” he reveals with his signature grin. “I start by writing a very detailed synopsis to make sure every scene, costume change, entrance and exit can be achieved smoothly, without breaking the magic or flow of the show. That’s the hard part. But it then makes the text easier.”

Director Stephen Oliver

As the show’s director and artistic director Stephen Oliver’s priority was to dial up the panto magic of the original fairy tale. “I wanted to keep as close to the traditional storyline of Snow White as possible, while expanding the comedy elements, special effects and music numbers – which are a mix of both pop songs and show tunes – to wow both adults and children,” he says.

“The issue with Snow White is always the seven dwarves – but Alan has found an extremely novel way of solving this in the writing.”

Alan will also strap on his heels as Dame, joining a brilliant cast that features Melissa Mercieca, Sarah Jane Zrinzo, Noel Zarb, Karl Bartolo, Bertha Farrugia, Carla Fenech, Ali Kanay Demirci and Joe Depasquale, alongside a talented ensemble.

“This year, I’ve gone traditional with the Dame, making her Snow White’s nanny,” Alan shares – but as always, he adds a twist to the tradition. “My Dames are never conventional. There’s always a backstory or a goal. I enjoy pushing the envelope while staying true to the naughty-but-nice persona that audiences adore.”

Beyond writing and performance, Alan has also taken on costume design, with comfort key to his designs. “I’ve worn my fair share of painfully uncomfortable costumes and wigs over the years and endured a few injuries along the way,” he laughs. “The actors seem happy and comfortable – and that’s what matters most.”

There’s enough innuendo to keep the adults entertained

MADC’s return to Sliema’s Salesian Theatre, following the sell-out success of last year’s Ebenezer Scrooge! The Panto, has also shaped the production. “We gained real insight into the stage space and facilities, making it much easier to stage Snow White with this knowledge,” Oliver shares.

“Scrooge was an enormous success and the christening of our state-of-the-art revolving stage. For Snow White, I’ve utilised this to its fullest potential.”

Collaborating has been a highlight of the process, he adds, as has working with the production’s exceptional cast and creative team. “It’s been exciting to collaborate with Alan on Snow White. We have a very similar sense of humour and Alan is a joy to direct. Couple this with an extremely talented cast, Ryan Paul Abela’s expert musical direction, Romualdo Moretti’s fantastic set design, Martina Galea’s stunning choreography and MADC’s technical team, and a director couldn’t ask for more.”

Alan Montanaro as the Dame. Photo: Justin Mamo

Together, they focus on creating a panto experience with something for everyone, that’s best enjoyed with a playful heart and an open mind, Alan recommends. “Enjoying panto all comes down to attitude – so leave any troubles at the door and embrace your inner child. 

The magic and fairy tale elements will captivate the young ones, while there’s enough innuendo to keep the adults entertained – sometimes even having to explain why a cucumber is funny!”

MADC’s Snow White performs in English at Salesian Theatre, Sliema, from December 23 to January 5, with both matinée and evening performances available. Booking is open at madc.com.mt, with special ticket prices for children aged three to 11.

Children under the age of three will not be permitted inside the theatre. Parking will be available at the St Patrick’s Ground on a first come, first served basis. This production is supported by Dee Spas Wellness, Welbee’s Supermarket, Elia Caterers, Creative Europe Desk Malta and Magic.