Ħax-Xjuħ – The eccentric pantomime

One week away from opening night and Teatru Malta is gearing up for one of its most heartwarming performances to date: their 2019 pantomime Ħax-Xjuħ, which will run between 12 and 15 December at the Metanoia Theatre in Luqa.

The pantomime has been entrusted to the best theatre veterans around – such as Tony Cassar Darien, who wrote the original script. “The script has a laugh per minute situations. A couple of characters are absolutely unforgettable, there’s great music, some lovely dancing, continuous audience involvement and a veteran comical cast”, says Cassar Darien.

“Ħax-Xjuħ sounded like me the moment I was approached by Sean Buhagiar to discuss the prospect of directing it for Teatru Malta,” says director Josette Ciappara. With long-time dancer and teacher Alison White choreographing, the incomparable Mro Paul Abela as musical director and with a comical set design by Donald Friggieri, families of all ages are guaranteed an evening of sheer laughter.

The colourful cast also includes Maltese favourites Joe Farrugia id-Dulli, the sassy Ħax-Xjuħ dame, wife and fellow actress Veronica Farrugia, Philip Vella, Ray Calleja, Narcy Calamatta, Theresa Gauci and Gwido Fenech amongst other incredible actors and performers.

“The production has been a joy to work on” says Ciappara, with the auditions for the cast last August being perhaps the greatest highlight. “We had almost 70 men and women over the age of 60 apply. Most of these men and women have never sung or danced before but have fully committed themselves to their rehearsals in addition to their vocal and dance training – proving that you’re never too old to try something new!” she said.

Ħax-Xjuħ is a laugh-out-loud western pantomime that boasts a cast consisting of an Indian Chief and a giant mouse – and that’s not even the half of it! Audiences can also expect a series of surprises throughout the show, not to mention that the entire cast is over the age of 60. So make sure to bring everyone – from your niece, to your children and your nanna – because this pantomime is one for the whole family. Ħax-Xjuħ is a pantomime for the whole family, and runs between the 12 and 15 December at Teatru Metanoia in Luqa. €5 tickets can be purchased from kultura.mt and for more information please call 21220255 or visit teatrumalta.org