Curtain Up! 5 Shows to See in Malta and Gozo This October
Teatru Manoel, Valletta
Beach days may be numbered, but the island’s stages are just warming up. Here are five nights out to get in the diary before October slips away.
Romeo & Juliet at Teatru Manoel (10 October)
No balcony speeches here, the world’s best-known love story is told entirely through movement. Company of Dance Arts stages it at the Manoel on 10 October, with a style that sits somewhere between ballet tradition and something more modern. Andrew Camenzuli is Romeo and Mattea Bianchi is Juliet, with choreography led by artistic director Sara Bianchi. At an hour and a half, and open to anyone aged 7 or over. It works perfectly for a date night or a family outing.
La Traviata at Teatru tal-Opra Aurora, Gozo (17 October)
It wouldn’t be October without a ferry trip for the opera. This year the Aurora is marking its 50th birthday with Verdi’s tearjerker, and the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra is in the pit, joined by an international cast. The show starts at 19:30 on Saturday 17 October in Victoria, and you can follow along in English while the cast sings in Italian.
Little Shop of Horrors at Teatru Manoel (23 October to 1 November)
Feed me, Seymour! Masquerade Theatre Company teams up with Teatru Manoel for the cult musical about a flower shop worker whose strange new plant develops a taste for blood. Anthony Bezzina is in the director’s chair, the songs are by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, and the run goes from 23 October to 1 November, which makes it your Halloween plan sorted.
Junior Eurovision Song Contest (24 October)
The continent’s biggest kids’ song contest is landing on our doorstep. Sixteen countries are sending acts to the MFCC in Ta’ Qali, and it’s Malta’s third go at hosting, after 2014 and 2016. The final goes live at 21:00 on Saturday 24 October, and seats start at €15. Gaia Cauchi, Destiny Chukunyere and Keane Cutajar are presenting, while Beppe carries home hopes with “Blue Bird”.
Madama Butterfly at Teatru Astra, Gozo (29 and 31 October)
Victoria’s other opera house gets the last word. Puccini’s Madama Butterfly plays at Teatru Astra on Thursday 29 and Saturday 31 October, both at 19:30. Bring tissues, and maybe book a Gozo farmhouse while you’re at it.
Which one’s going in your calendar first? Tag whoever’s coming with you in the comments below.
