Everyone has seen the movie Charlie & The Chocolate Factory. Everyone loves the musical. So what if it was brought to the Manoel Theatre in the form of a pantomime for all the family to enjoy. That's what I auditioned for in July 2022. With a twist on the story, Ċikku went on an adventure with his mother, Dame Desserta, to the famous Willy Wonder's Chocolate Panto. And oh my! What an adventure!
Producers: Masquerade
Writer: Malcolm Galea
Director: anthony bezzina
Musical Director: Kris Spiteri
Choreographer: Valerie Burke
Playing the title role in Ċikku & The Chocolate Panto was an incredible experience that I will never forget. The energy and excitement of every single audience during the 20 shows made it all worth it, and I had the privilege of working alongside an amazing cast and crew.
From the moment I was cast as Ċikku, I knew I was in for a challenge. Not only did I have to memorize a substantial amount of lines, but I also had to sing, dance, and keep up with the fast-paced nature of the show. However, with the help of the director, anthony bezzina, and the rest of the team, I was able to bring my character to life in a way that truly resonated with the audience.
One of my favorite parts of the show was the music. Thanks to our fantastic musical director, Kris Spiteri, the songs were catchy and fun, and they had the audience singing and dancing along. As the title character, I had a few solos that were nerve-wracking at first, but I quickly found my groove and was able to let loose and have fun with it. I mean, who doesn't like a twist on the famous 'Candyman' by Christina Aguilera and 'Levitating' by Dua Lipa?
Another highlight of the experience was the sense of community within the cast and crew. We all worked together to create something special and unique, and that camaraderie translated to the stage. It was a joy to work with such talented and dedicated individuals, and I made some lasting friendships along the way.
Overall, playing the title role in Ċikku & The Chocolate Panto was a dream come true. It was a challenging but incredibly rewarding experience that allowed me to grow as an actor and performer. I will always cherish the memories and the friendships that were formed during this production, and I hope to have the opportunity to be a part of something like this again in the future.
