The Panto in Maltese at the Catholic Institute - the first time for “Dame” Toni Busuttil

Toni Busuttil loved theatre from an early age acting and writing sketches played on the stage at the Dominican Hall in Valletta. Later he worked as an animator at the Rinella Movie Park, a job that opened up many opportunities for Toni.

Toni gives a lot of credit to his part in "Minibugz", the television program which led him to other openings. "Minibugz became a family name all around Malta. It was transmitted for over ten years. Althought the program was meant for children,I know a lot of adults who followed it regularly. This led to other television programs and right now I perform every Saturday on Sas-Sitta. I play a lot of characters and up to date I have played more than 120 different characters n this afternoon show. I can't believe myself I have played all those characters!"

Toni  always followed the Christmas Panto at the Catholic Institute by Kumpanija Teatru Rjal. "I attended every year, and every year I wished I would take part someday. I never found the courage to ask Pawlu Testa. Then once I was with my friend Ronald Briffa in Carnival, I saw Pawlu and Ronald encouraged me to go and ask him. Some months later, Pawlu phoned me and informed me that my name was included in the cast list. That was my first Panto, today I am preparing for my fifth Panto, this time obviously my first as the Dame.My thanks go to all the actors, especially Hector Bruno who inspired me in many ways, To Pawlu Testa and Kumpanija Teatru Rjal, the company I love.This is a new chapter for me. With your support by attending the Panto performances and with all the team's efforts, Merry Poppins fil-Milied will be another successful Panto" Toni said.

Toni leads a cast with the likes of Mario Snits Spiteri, Joe Dulli Farrugia, Ina Robinich, Neville Refalo, Brian Farrugia, Renzo Bonello, Rodney Gauci, Laura Bruno, Alan Falzon, Mario Camilleri and Franky Borg directed by Augusto Cardinale, just to name a few. The dancing troupe belongs to Yada Dance Company with Felix Busuttil's choreography and the musical director is Neville Gatt, as in the past 12 years. The Panto has been penned by Joe Julian Farrugia while Pawlu Testa is the producer.

MERRY POPPINS... FIL-MILIED will be performed on the following dates in December: Saturday 22nd at 7.30pm, Sunday 23rd at 10.00am (special prices) and 4.00pm,  Wednesday 26th at 2.30 and 7.30pm, Thursday 27th at 7.00pm, Friday 28th at 7.00pm, Saturday 29th at 7.30pm and Sunday 30th at 2.00pm and 6.30pm.  Performances in January start on New Year's Day at 6.30pm, then on Friday 4th at 7.30pm, Saturday 5th at 7.00pm, Sunday 6th at 2.00pm and 6.30pm, Saturday 12th  at 7.00pm and Sunday 13th at 2.00pm and 6.30pm.

Booking is open from both the Booking Office and the Bar at the Catholic Institute, from Carmen Azzopardi of Rabat, Tereza Bazaar of Zabbar and Pawlu Testa Travel (21223340 / 27223340). One may use the ONLINE BOOKING 

on www.istitutkattoliku.com or www.kumpanijateatrurjal.com.