MADC Stages Peter Pan Panto at Teatru Manoel This Christmas

MADC will stage its Christmas pantomime Peter Pan at Teatru Manoel in Valletta from 22 December to 5 January 2027, with 20 matinee and evening performances scheduled for family audiences.

The production is written by Chiara Hyzler and directed by Stephen Oliver. It follows Wendy and her brothers as they join Peter Pan on an adventure to Neverland, where they team up with a larger-than-life Dame to face Captain Hook and his crew of pirates.

The show runs 15 days across the Christmas and New Year period, averaging more than one performance per day — a scheduling pace that positions it as one of Valletta's busiest festive theatre events.

Who leads the cast?

Jean Pierre Busuttil returns as the Dame. Francesco Nicodeme plays Captain Hook, and David Ellul stars as Peter Pan.

The cast also includes Melissa Mercieca, Carla Fenech, Karl Bartolo and Sam Casha, alongside newcomers Jack Camilleri, Robert Marshall Adams and Luca Troia.

Nicodeme doubles on stage and behind it: as well as playing Captain Hook, he handles the show's choreography.

Who is on the creative team?

The production's creative credits, as announced by MADC:

• Music: Kris Spiteri
• Choreography: Francesco Nicodeme
• Costume design: Nicole Cuschieri
• Set design: Fraser Lappin
• Singing direction: Maria Eleonora Zammit

The company promises catchy songs, extravagant costumes, comedy and a dose of political satire aimed at adult audience members — a fixture of the Maltese panto tradition.

Why two pantomimes this year?

For the first time, MADC will stage two pantomimes simultaneously. Peter Pan at Teatru Manoel will run alongside a second production, Hercules, at Teatru Salesjan — a doubling of the company's annual festive output.

Director Stephen Oliver framed the panto as a first encounter with theatre for many children. "Panto is the one show of the year that brings the whole family to the theatre together, and for many children it is their first visit to one," Oliver said.

He added: "Peter Pan has pirates, a Dame and a story every generation knows, so it gives us everything we need for a proper Christmas outing – book early, bring the grandparents and come ready to boo the pirates!"

How can audiences book?

The production is suitable for ages three and over, pitching it explicitly at a three-generation audience of children, parents and grandparents.

Tickets are already on sale through madc.com.mt and teatrumanoel.mt.

With two simultaneous pantomimes and a 20-performance run, MADC is betting that demand for Maltese family theatre this Christmas will support double the usual festive supply.