What’s on in Malta and Gozo this week: May 4 to 11, 2026

THEATRE

Amélie – The Musical

A whimsical and heartwarming stage adaptation of the 2001 French film directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet is taking place at the Manoel Theatre, Valletta, from May 8 to 17.  

Set against the vibrant backdrop of Paris, it tells the story of Amélie Poulain, a shy but imaginative young woman who secretly improves the lives of those around her while grappling with her own journey towards happiness. 

The show, certified 6+, is brought to life under the direction of Dorothy Bezzina and musical direction by Edward Mifsud. Tickets from teatrumanoel.mt.

String V SPITTA

Following multiple sold-out runs at London’s Soho Theatre and the Edinburgh Fringe and a BBC television pilot, String V SPITTA makes its Malta debut at Theatre Next Door in Magħtab on May 9 and 10.

Co-written and performed by Ed MacArthur (Ted Lasso) and Kiell Smith-Bynoe (Taskmaster and BBC’s Ghosts), the musical comedy show pitches two rival children’s entertainers – a classically trained West London virtuoso and an East London grime MC – against each other at a Russian oligarch’s daughter’s sixth birthday party. 

What follows is a late-night kids’ party for adults, complete with freestyle rap battles, live music and magic tricks.

The show is being held on May 9 at 7.30pm and 9.30pm, and on May 10 at 7.30pm. Due to strong language, this production is suitable for audiences aged 16 and over. Limited tickets remaining at fmt.com.mt/tnd.

Page 16

Benedittu Productions at St Benedict College Secondary School, Kirkop, is presenting the student-led drama Page 16, on May 7 at 7pm.

The multidisciplinary performance, featuring voice, mime and choreography, delves into the inner world of Martina, a 16-year-old girl navigating identity, emotional isolation and the pressures of modern adolescence.

Following the performance, Peppi Azzopardi will lead a discussion on the themes showcased in the performance, including mental health, bullying, family breakdown and addiction.Entrance is by donation in aid of the Richmond Foundation.

For more information, contact Benedittu Productions or visit their Facebook page.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Jr

Gozo College primary schools are presenting the musical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Jr at the Don Bosco Oratory, in Victoria, on May 8 and 10 at 7.30pm. Featuring around 65 students, this family-friendly production is an adaptation of the 1968 musical starring Dick Van Dyke and Sally Ann Howes, which is in turn based on the 1964 children’s story by Ian Fleming.

The production is part of the Arts Cradle programme, directed by Jamie Camilleri. 

Tickets are available from the Gozo College Office on Europe Street, Victoria, from 9am–3pm, or by calling on 2598 8402.

Ċama Ċama

Selected for the 2024 Studio Francis Ebejer Scriptwriting Competition, Ċama Ċama captures the heart of a changing society grappling with its own identity.

Written by Gabriel Lia (under the mentorship of Immanuel Mifsud) and directed by Lee-N Abela, this production features Peter Galea, Emmanuel Cassar, Chris Camilleri, Abigail Borg and Alexia Micallef. 

Performances run at Spazju Kreattiv, Valletta on May 8 and 9 at 8pm, May 10 at 7pm, May 15, 16 at 8pm and May 17 at 7pm. The show is certified 14+. Tickets from spazjukreattiv.org.

L-Aħħar Bastiment – Stories from the Grand Harbour

A new multidisciplinary live production by Mikiel Anton Vassalli College, that includes a short musical, a short play with music and a contemporary dance work, is being staged at St Agatha Auditorium, Rabat, on May 9 at 7.30pm

Each of the three pieces is inspired by human and historical stories rooted in Malta’s iconic Grand Harbour.

The production features Orkestra Maxime from Katowice, Poland.

Admission is free, but tickets must be reserved via ticketline.com.mt.

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MUSIC

Strings and Poetry of Love

Guitarist Bernard Catania will lead audiences on a journey through Latin and Spanish-inspired soundscapes, during the next lunchtime concert presented by the Barocco Foundation in collaboration with Din l-Art Ħelwa, at Our Lady of Victory church, Valletta, on Tuesday, May 5 at 12.30pm.

The recital will be interwoven with a selection of poetry, delivered by Miriam Agius. 

Entrance to the concert is at a suggested donation of €13. One can obtain the tickets prior to the concert from the venue itself or by e-mail: baroccobookings@gmail.com/baroccomalta@gmail.com or phone 7968 0952. 

Warda: Songs for Springtime

The Jesuits Church Foundation is holding a recital of songs and arias celebrating springtime at its oratories in Valletta on May 7 at 7.30pm.

Featuring soprano Marouska Attard and pianist Elaine Mercieca, the programme includes works by Barber, Poulenc, Grieg, Dvorak, Rossini and Gravina, among others. It also features a new work by Maltese composer Abraham d’Amato.

Entrance is free but donations are welcome.

Rapsodija Maltija

The Jesuits’ Church Foundation is inaugurating its new Yamaha grand piano gracing its oratories with an evening celebrating Maltese piano music on May 8 at 7.30pm.

Pianists Tricia Dawn Williams, Francis Camilleri, Gisèle Grima and Erika Gialanzè will perform works by Joseph Vella, Charles Camilleri, Pawlu Grech, Ruben Zahra, Veronique Vella, Alex Vella Gregory, Albert Garzia and Mariella Cassar Cordina.

Entrance is free but donations are welcome.

Ivan Grech album launch 

Ivan Grech is launching his debut solo album, Victory Street, at Sir Temi Zammit Hall, University of Malta, on May 8 at 8pm. 

The intimate concert will feature songs from the new album, alongside numbers from his over four-decade career.

Tickets from www.showshappening.com.

Rock’n 4 Animals 

Rock’n 4 Animals returns with a new unplugged concept at the Salesian Theatre, in Sliema, on May 8 at 8pm.

Hosted by James Ryder, the event will feature peformances by Klinsmann, Kersten Graham, Claudia Faniello and 13 Years Later.

Beyond the music, the event, organised by Vuċi għall-Annimali, continues its mission of supporting animal welfare, raising funds and awareness for shelters and rescue organisations across Malta. 

Tickets from www.showshappening.com.

Voices of the Wind: Rubini, Jolivet & Mozart

Luigi Piovano will be leading the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra at The Grand Ballroom, Radisson Blu Resort, St Julian’s, on May 10 at 6pm. 

The programme features the world premiere of Matteo Rubini’s Rebis, Jolivet’s Flute Concerto, featuring famed flautist Silvia Careddu and Mozart’s Symphony No. 40.

Tickets from www.showshappening.com.

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FILM

Iron Maiden: Burning Ambition

The Eden Cinemas in St Julian’s is showing a documentary covering the 50-year history of the legendary metal band, featuring band interviews, Di’ Anno’s final talk, celebrity testimonials, never-before-seen footage, and Eddie’s animations.

The film is showing on May 7 and then from May 13 to 19. It is suitable for an audience aged 15+. Tickets from edencinemas.com.mt.

Billie Eilish: Hit Me Hard and Soft – The Tour (Live in 3D)

A 3D concert film, co-directed by Billie Eilish and director James Cameron, documenting the singer’s Manchester shows, is being screened at the Eden Cinemas in St Julian’s from May 8 to 10. It is certified 12A.

Tickets from edencinemas.com.mt.

Stand by Me

Spazju Kreattiv is screening a 4K restored version of Rob Reiner’s timeless coming-of-age classic film, adapted from Stephen King’s novella, as it celebrates its 40th anniversary.

The story follows four 12-year-olds as they search for a missing teenager’s body, but find more than they bargained for. The cast includes River Phoenix, Corey Feldman and Kiefer Sutherland.

The film, certified 15, is being shown on May 9 at 7.30pm. Tickets from spazjukreattiv.org.

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MISCELLANEOUS

Valletta Green Festival

The Valletta Green Festival, organised by the Valletta Cultural Agency, has once again transformed the capital city into a living garden, celebrating sustainability, urban greening and community engagement.

Until May 10, visitors can admire a series of floral installations, including a large-scale display at City Gate and in front of parliament, leading into a magical fantasy garden in St George’s Square.

Attendees can enjoy a diverse programme designed to inspire eco-conscious living. There will also be a daily Eco Market along Old Theatre Street and workshops for children. 

For more information, visit the event’s Facebook page.

whatson@timesofmalta.com