What’s on in Malta and Gozo this week: April 20 to 26, 2026
Highlights of events in the coming days
THEATRE
Grease
Masquerade is staging the iconic Grease the Musical at the Mediterranean Conference Centre, in Valletta, from April 24 to 26.
Directed by Anthony Bezzina, this high-energy production features hits such as Summer Nights and Greased Lightnin’. Raphael Pace and Nina Galea lead the cast as high-school students Danny and Sandy.
The creative team includes music director Kris Spiteri, choreographer Valerie Burke, set designer Romualdo Moretti, costume designer Simona Mamo and vocal coach Analise Cassar.
This production is recommended for ages 7+. All children aged five to 16 years must be accompanied by an adult. Parental discretion is requested as smoking is depicted on the stage along with occasional strong language.
Tickets from showshappening.com.
Suspicious Minds
MADC’s production of Tom Fowler’s Suspicious Minds is being staged again from April 24 to 26 at the MADC Playhouse in Santa Venera.
It’s been a particularly tough year for Mark (Shaun Rizzo) and Fran (Thea Costa). In a last-ditch attempt to fix their relationship, they book a commercial time-travel holiday, which takes them from Ancient Rome to an Elvis concert in Hawaii.
In the style of radio-theatre, the cast create live soundscapes through onstage foley sound effects and music.
Directed by Justin Kyle Camilleri, the production also features Myron Ellul and Maya Micallef Engerer.
The show is certified 16+. The April 24 show also includes a Q&A with writer Fowley.
Tickets from www.madc.com.mt. Read more about the show here.
The cast of Suspicious Minds: Maya Micallef Engerer, Thea Costa, Shaun Rizzo and Myron Ellul.Mid-Djarju ta’ Student Fi Skola tal-Knisja
Jamie Cardona is back with his solo play about his time as a teen at a Church school at Theatre Next Door in Magħtab. Through his diary, the audience follows his mischievous journey while he questions the existence of God, what is right or wrong and how to attract girls, among others.
Directed by Vikesh Godhwani and written by Cardona himself, the comedy tackles the insecurities of young Maltese people and the (very slow) process of growth.
The record-breaking show, suitable for an audience aged 18+, runs throughout April and then in June.
Tickets from fmt.com.mt/tnd.
Drama of Smaller European Languages
Malta is hosting the second platform of the Drama of Smaller European Languages (DoSEL).
The event features performances by DoSEL partners from across Europe at the Manoel, alongside translation workshops, artistic residencies, research presentations, public talks and more.
At the Malta International Showcase, four performances are being presented by partners from Malta, Slovenia, Croatia and Estonia, all performed in their original languages with English surtitles at the Manoel Theatre.
The Maltese entry, Ir-Rebħa tal-Ħuta Li Ttir, a powerful historical drama by the late theatre-maker Carmel S. Aquilina, is being presented on April 24 and 25 at 7.30pm and on April 26 at 6.30pm.
The other remaining performances are Always Be Like a Dragon from Croatia being staged today, April 20 at 7.30pm, and MEDIUM from Estonia on April 22 at 9pm.
Tickets from teatrumanoel.mt.
Read more about this festival here.
Michela Farrugia and Jacob Piccinino star in the historical drama Ir-Rebħa tal-Ħuta Li Ttir, a historical drama written by the late playwright Carmel S. Aquilina.Il-Ħajja Sigrieta tan-Nanna Ġenoveffa
An adaptation of Trevor Żahra’s novel by Marta Vella is being staged at the Salesian Theatre, Sliema, from April 24 to May 3.
Based on a manuscript discovered by Ġenoveffa’s grandson, the story reveals that his grandmother was far from the meek woman many imagined. Her writings portray a mischievous and passionate spirit, full of energy and a zest for life, whom neither family expectations nor advice could restrain − except, perhaps, Zanzu, the love of her life.
Directed by Toni Attard, the show stars Vella, Josette Ciappara, Sander Agius, Sean Borg and Christine Francalanza,
The show is certified 13+.
Tickets from showshappening.com.
Marta Vella and Josetta Ciappara in Il-Ħajja Sigrieta tan-Nanna Ġenoveffa. Photo: Lorella CastilloMUSIC
The Malta Cross Music Competition
The Malta Cross Music Competition returns for its third edition from today, April 20 to the 22nd with a programme of performances, masterclasses, lectures, educational talks and concerts across a variety of musical genres.
The event, being held at the Malta Society of Arts and the Manoel Theatre in Valletta, features both local and international participants and promises three days of inspiring music and engaging activities.
The final concert, under the direction of Frank Bonnici, brings together aspiring musicians in the genres of classical, film, pop and traditional music on April 22.
The event starts off with the Frank Bonnici Trio playing a contemporary jazz set, followed by a classical music repertoire by the 16 competition candidates, and closing off with the prize-giving ceremony.
Tickets for the MSA events are available at www.ticketline.com.mt, while for the Manoel concert at teatrumanoel.mt.
Francesco – Shepherd of Mercy
The Malta Police Force Band is presenting a musical oratorio inspired by the life, message and legacy of Pope Francis at St Paul’s Metropolitan Cathedral, Mdina, on April 24 at 7.30pm.
The oratorio, with a libretto by Frank Zammit, Maltese Ambassador to the Holy See, and music by Mro Anthony Cassar, musical director of the Malta Police Force Band, will bring together elements of orchestral music, singing and a narrative delivered by Manuel Cauchi and Valerie Vella.
Soprano Claire Caruana, tenor Charles Vincenti and the ATTAR Choir will perform together with the Malta Police Force Band.
The concert will be compèred by Joseph Chetcuti.
The event is being held in aid of Id-Dar tal-Providenza, and tickets can be purchased from showshappening.com.
Gaulitana: A Festival of Music
April 24 marks the opening of the festival's OPERA+ Weekend with the New Hampshire Friendship Chorus singing A Choral Proclamation at the Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz.
Gaulitana will present its 10th full-scale opera in a celebration of the 125th death anniversary of Giuseppe Verdi at the Aurora Theatre, Victoria, on April 25. A star-studded cast, the Gaulitanus Choir and the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra will feature in Il Trovatore with stage direction by Enrico Castiglione under the baton of Colin Attard. There will be a pre-opera talk by music critic Albert G. Storace.
April 26 brings the month-long cultural bonanza to a fitting ending in Finale as the Gaulitanus String Orchestra, led by Colin Attard, will perform. Godfrey Mifsud will join to interpret Charles Camilleri’s Concertino at St Francis church in Victoria.
Events (except the opera) are free of charge and start at 7.30pm, unless otherwise indicated.
More information on www.gaulitanus.com.
Cast members of Il Trovatore during rehearsals.Bir Miftuħ International Music Festival
The Bir Miftuħ International Music Festival continues with a voice and piano performance on April 24 at 7.30pm.
Soprano Gillian ZammitSupported by the Embassy of France, the performance will be presented by soprano Gillian Zammit, mezzo-soprano Raisa Marie Micallef, tenor Dillon Camilleri and baritone Joseph Cutajar.
Accompanied by pianist Maria Elena Farrugia, they will perform a rich programme of works by Gounod, Charpentier, Fauré, A Thomas, E Lalo, Saint-Saëns, W. Gluck, H. Duparc and P. Viardot.
The last two concerts will be held on May 23 and 30.
For tickets information, call Din l-Art Ħelwa on 2122 0358 or e-mail info@dinlartħelwa.org.
Around the World with the Accordion
Barocco Foundation, in collaboration with Din l-Art Ħelwa, continues its lunchtime concert series with an accordion concert at Our Lady of Victory church, Valletta, on April 21 at 12.30pm.
The concert will feature acclaimed accordionist Yuri Charyguine, who will showcase the versatility and expressive power of the instrument. Through a carefully curated programme, listeners will be transported from the Mediterranean to Eastern Europe, and from the Americas to the heart of Western Europe.
Entrance to the concert is at a suggested donation of €13. Tickets can be obtained prior to the concert from the venue itself or by e-mailing baroccobookings@gmail.com/baroccomalta@gmail.com or calling on 7968 0952.
Wartime Songs and Nostalgia
The Sip and Listen concert series by the Barocco Foundation returns for its second evening at the restored St Augustine Priory Apse, Valletta, on April 23 at 7.30pm.
Guests are invited to a nostalgic journey through some of the most beloved wartime melodies that include We’ll Gather Lilacs, The White Cliffs of Dover, It’s a Long Way to Tipperary, As Time Goes By, La Vie en Rose and Somewhere Over the Rainbow, among others.
Soprano Marita Bezzina, baritone Ken Scicluna and pianist Ramona Zammit Formosa will perform.
Following the performance, attendees are invited to enjoy a complimentary guided tour of the priory which includes the 16th-century church and the priory remains and a World War II shelter.
Entrance to the concert is at a suggested donation of €25, which includes a glass of prosecco. One can obtain the tickets prior to the concert from the venue itself or by e-mailing baroccobookings@gmail.com/baroccomalta@gmail.com or calling on 7968 0952.
MISCELLANEOUS
Malta International Fireworks Festival
The 2026 edition of annual fireworks spectacle, themed ‘The Luminous Legacy’, continues with competition nights at Valletta Grand Harbour on April 20 and 25 and a grand finale with a full pyro-musical performance in Valletta on April 30.
Each night will present a spectacular display of colours and designs in the sky, with the pyro-musical competition a key highlight. General viewing areas are free. Reserved seating at Quarry Wharf Road (near Pixkerija), Valletta, may be obtained at https://tickets.maltafireworksfestival.com/.
Fireworks over Grand Harbour. Photo: Shutterstock.comSpringtime Festival
Eco Market Malta is organising a family-friendly event at the Oak Tree Circle, at the National Park in Ta’ Qali between April 24 and 26.
There will be market stalls, food trucks and a busy children’s area with free activities throughout the day. Entrance is free. Visit the Eco Market Malta Facebook page for more information.