🎭 The Masks Return: Introducing The Panto of the Opera – Pantoween 2026

In October 2026, Pantoween returns — bolder, richer, and more theatrical than ever — with our next original production:The Panto of the Opera, coming to the majestic Teatru Salesjan.

This new Pantoween chapter builds on the magic, momentum, and community energy reignited by Hocus Pocus, the production that marked the long-awaited return of Pantoween to our stages. What began as a playful, spooky celebration of theatre quickly reminded us why this format matters: it brings audiences together, invites laughter and reflection, and allows us to tell big stories with heart, humour, and imagination.

From Hocus Pocus to a New Legend

The response to Hocus Pocus was overwhelming. It reminded us that there is a real appetite for theatrical experiences that are bold yet inclusive, nostalgic yet inventive. Pantoween was never meant to be just a seasonal novelty — it is a creative platform where comedy, music, spectacle, and storytelling collide.

With The Panto of the Opera, we take that vision further.

A Story of Masks, Memory, and Magic

Set in Victorian Malta, The Panto of the Opera unfolds around Valletta’s historic Royal Opera House during a glittering yet fragile season. As whispers of a Phantom spread through the city and accidents plague the theatre, a young performer named Christine begins to uncover what truly lies behind the mask.

At its heart, this is a story about identity, illusion, and the many faces we wear — on stage and off. It blends gothic mystery with pantomime tradition, allowing comedy and camp to sit comfortably alongside moments of tenderness and truth. As with all Pantoween productions, the tone is playful but purposeful, entertaining while still saying something meaningful about art, legacy, and resilience.

The Creative Team

The Panto of the Opera is led by a creative team with deep roots in Maltese theatre and a shared passion for bold, accessible storytelling:

• Writer & Director: Marco A. Calleja

• Musical Director: Christine Vella

• Choreographer: Warren Schembri Bonello

• Production Manager: Audrey Innocent Azzopardi

Together, the team brings a strong theatrical vision grounded in collaboration, musicality, and imaginative staging.

A New Home for Pantoween

For 2026, Pantoween finds a new home at Teatru Salesjan — a venue whose grandeur, atmosphere, and theatrical soul make it the perfect setting for this story. It’s a space that invites imagination, where history and performance meet, and where stories can truly come alive.

🎭 Auditions Now Open

We are now inviting performers to audition for The Panto of the Opera.Auditions will take place on 1st February 2026, as we begin assembling a company ready to embrace bold characters, ensemble storytelling, and the unique spirit of Pantoween.

Full details — including the cast list, role breakdowns, and what to prepare — can be found in the audition application form:

👉 Apply here:https://forms.gle/KNzexWpHJN3TjKPk9

Looking Ahead

As we look ahead, we do so with gratitude — for the audiences who welcomed Hocus Pocus, for the artists who brought it to life, and for the community that continues to believe in theatre as a space for joy, reflection, and imagination.

The masks are returning.And the story is only just beginning. 🎭👻

The masks are returning. And the story is only just beginning. 🎭👻 For more information contact our Production Manager, Audrey Azzopardi on thepantooftheopera@hoipolloimalta.com