🎭 A First Look at Hocus Pocus: The Pantoween
- marco4073
- Sep 15
- 4 min read
The Hoi Polloi Theatre Company is officially back on the professional stage for the first time since its 2019 production of Cats: The Musical at the Valletta Campus Theatre. This year also marks a long-awaited milestone — the return of Pantoween after twenty years. The first (and last) Pantoween was Tarzan and Ġejni - a panto in the Jungle in 2005 at St Aloysius College Theatre. Now, Pantoween rises again, reimagined through a very different, distinctly professional lens, promising a production unlike anything audiences have seen before blending panto glitz with Halloween spook.
Meet Our Wicked Star ✨
The first glimpse of this spellbinding production has just been revealed: Katherine Brown as the wickedly iconic Winifred Sanderson. Katherine brings her panto experience and powerhouse presence to the stage, leading the Sanderson Sisters with flair, mischief, and that unforgettable cackle.
This marks Katherine’s second production with Hoi Polloi Theatre Company. Her first was back in 2011, when she starred as the Narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Mediterranean Conference Centre. Now, she returns to lead the witches in our first Pantoween in two decades.
She’ll be joined by a cast of familiar faces and rising stars, including our young heroes Max (Sam Casha), Alison (Leah Formosa), and Dany (Amy Farrugia), who must outwit the witches before sunrise. And of course, every panto needs a Dame… ours will be revealed in the coming days. All we’ll say for now is — she’s a real simpati-ka 👠💜
Behind the Scenes 👀
Rehearsals are already in full swing, with a company of 22 talented actors and a 19-member child ensemble meeting three times a week for the past month. The energy in the studio has been electric as scenes, songs, and slapstick moments start to come to life.
To build the world of Pantoween, the team also organised an exciting photo and video shoot, capturing the magic that will power our posters, teasers, and promotional reels. It’s only a taste of what’s to come — and audiences can expect plenty more reveals in the weeks ahead.
The Sound of Spells and Song 🎶
Musical magic is also brewing thanks to the wonderful Christine Vella, whose fresh arrangements are giving the show a unique sound — mixing pop, panto, and a little bit of Halloween sparkle. Expect toe-tapping tunes, cheeky lyrics, and a live atmosphere that will bring the house down.
The cast is also hard at work perfecting harmonies under the guidance of vocal coach Nathalie Pace, while Warren Bonello’s choreography keeps everyone on their toes. All of this is being brought together under the direction of Marco A. Calleja, who also penned the script — shaping the production into a unique blend of story, music, and spectacle.
Meet the Creative Team 🌟
Behind every panto is an army of creatives, and Hocus Pocus: The Pantoween is no exception.
Set Design & Props: Ian Coleiro and Rebecca Ellul Wain are crafting a world of spooky charm — from enchanted furniture to larger-than-life panto props.
Costume Design: Sarah Grech is conjuring up bold, colourful looks that merge tradition with a Halloween twist.
Wigs: Michael and Guy are bringing their signature flair, ensuring every witchy hair-do is as iconic as the characters themselves.
Makeup: Makeup by Talitha is crafting stunning transformations, from spooky glamour to comic exaggeration.
Visual Design: Cloud9 are behind the poster and digital design suite, setting the tone for a magical campaign.
Photography: Martin Agius captured the striking first-look portraits.
Filming & Editing: Kurt Cauchi has been weaving together the moving images that will light up your feeds.
Supporting all this creativity is our production team, with Audrey Azzopardi keeping everything in order as Production Manager, and Maria Busuttil Delbridge leading backstage as Stage Manager, ensuring the magic runs smoothly on and off stage.
Together, this powerhouse team is putting the pieces in place for a Halloween spectacular to remember.
A Message from the Artistic Director 👻
At Hoi Polloi Theatre Company, we want Hocus Pocus: The Pantoween to feel like a true extension of your Halloween celebrations.
We invite everyone — children and adults alike — to come in costume! 🧙♀️🎃👑 Whether you’re trick-or-treating before the show or heading out to more festivities afterwards, let this panto be part of your magical night.
Join us, dress up, and be part of the fun — because this Pantoween isn’t just a show, it’s a Halloween experience for the whole family. 💜
The Countdown Has Begun 🎟️
With tickets now open on https://www.showshappening.com/hoi-polloi-malta/hocus-pocus-the-pantoween, the countdown to Pantoween is officially on. Early Bird discounts are available until 30th September — so book fast before Winifred Sanderson herself swoops in and snatches the offer away.
✨ Hocus Pocus: The Pantoween plays Friday 31st October and Saturday 1st November 2025 at St Aloysius College Theatre. Stay tuned for more reveals — including our Dame — and get ready for a Halloween adventure like no other!
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