Life feels so much more magical at Christmas – and that is especially true when you enter panto-land, the beautiful, theatrical realm where everything is possible and dreams really do come true.

There are two pantomimes in English that are debuting this week – Cinderella by the MADC at the MFCC in Ta’ Qali, which will open its doors on Friday, December 22, and Alice in Wonderland by Masquerade at the Manoel Theatre, which will enjoy its ‘curtain up’ one day later, on Saturday, December 23.

Cinderella, of course, tells the ultimate tale of a poor girl with a cruel stepmother, who is visited by her fairy godmother. But will she get to go to the ball?

This slightly alternative version is penned by Marylu Coppini, directed by and stars Michael Mangion and Jean Pierre Busuttil as the larger-than-life Ugly Sisters, Rachael Tedesco Triccas as Cinderella, Francesca Briffa as the fairy godmother, Isabel Warrington as the stepmother Baroness Kifuza and Renato Dimech as Baron Flooseless.

As always, the MADC promises to inject its trademark flair for spectacle into the show, with gorgeous costumes, plenty of laughs, an incredible set and stunning lighting designs.

Michael Mangion and Jean Pierre Busuttil in Cinderella. Photo: Sebio Aquilina

Meanwhile, Alice in Wonderland also guarantees to wow audiences.

Written by Malcolm Galea, who will also be making a return in the role of dame following last year’s Queen Shalayna, the show will be directed by Anthony Bezzina with musical direction in the hands of Kris Spiteri.

The cast includes Stephen Oliver, Joseph Zammit, Chiara Hyzler, Daryl Ebejer, Mandy Randon, Katherine Brown, Becky Brincat, Tina Rizzo and Jasmine Farrugia in the title role.

This year both pantos have also made it easier than ever for young families to enjoy an outing together, as they will present more afternoon shows – with almost daily performances starting at 3pm.

Cinderella will have daily matinees between December 22 and January 2, while Alice in Wonderland will have 10 matinees across its 12-day run.

Tickets to the shows are available at www.madc.com.mt (Cinderella) and www.teatrumanoel.com.mt (Alice in Wonderland).