Part of her world

Will debut in her first main role, playing Ariel in The Little Mermaid: A Panto Under the Sea, at Teatru Manoel this December. Here she talks through why theatre now plays a more important role in her life than ever

The Manoel Theatre will be transformed into an underwater world this Christmas, thanks to FM Theatre Productions’ pantomime The Little Mermaid. Ariel’s role will be played by Nicole Cassar, in what will be her first performance as the title character. In the show, and in bringing the lively mermaid to life, Nicole will be testing the patience of Edward Mercieca’s Dame Bormaljotta, her nanny, and her penchant for all things human.

Although Nicole caught the acting bug when she became a student of Stagecoach at a very young age, she spent some years away from the theatre. “The truth is, I never planned to stop performing, it was just something I needed to do,” she says, explaining that studying for a law degree left her little to no time to dedicate to rehearsals and performances. “Then, a year after I graduated, I came across the auditions being held by FM Theatre Productions for Mamma Mia the Musical in 2018, and I thought I'd show up and give it a go!” she continues. “Little did I know that showing up to that, and getting cast, was all I needed to catch the 'theatre bug' again!”

Now, a mere 18 months after her return to the stage, Nicole will be playing the main role alongside some veterans of the pantomime. “These wonderful actors also happen to be my friends and that makes the whole experience even more special,” she continues. “Edward Mercieca, for instance, has known me since I was just five years old.”

She admits that she wasn’t expecting to secure the principal female role in The Little Mermaid. “Being cast as Ariel was a massive surprise!” she says. “I never imagined I would ever have long red hair and a mermaid tail.”

Apart from getting used to wearing a tail, she says she is preparing for the role of her favourite Disney character by channelling her inner Disney princess. “Preparation has involved singing Part of Your World and Kiss the Girl to my partner at every possible opportunity, and lying in bed past my alarm clock pretending I don’t have feet!” she says. “Joking apart, I want to be sure to give the character all the magic she deserves – and that the children expect. In reality, apart from learning my lines, I'm not treating this role differently from any others I've played. Every role, whether as one of the principals or in the ensemble, requires the same amount of focus and enthusiasm.”

FM Theatre’s The Little Mermaid – A Panto Under The Sea will be staged at Teatru Manoel, Valletta, with performances on 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 December 2019 and on 2, 3, 4 January 2020 at 8pm. There will also be matinee performances at 3pm on 22, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 December 2019, and 2, 3, 4, 5 January 2020. Early Bird discount tickets are now available for a limited time only until 30 November, so grab yours today by going online at www.teatrumanoel.com.mt, emailing bookings@teatrumanoel.com.mt, or calling on 2124 6389