Manoel Theatre, Valletta

Manoel Theatre, nestled in the heart of Valletta on Old Theatre Street, stands as a cornerstone of performing arts and cultural heritage in Malta. Known affectionately as "The Manoel," this historic venue bears the name of Grand Master Fra António Manoel de Vilhena, the visionary behind its inception in 1731. As one of Europe's oldest working theatres—predating even Naples' renowned San Carlo—it holds the distinguished title of the oldest theatre still in operation within the Commonwealth of Nations.

Originally launched as the Public Theater (Teatro Pubblico), the theatre underwent several name changes, evolving to Royal Theatre (Teatro Reale) in 1812, before settling on its current designation, Manoel Theatre, in 1866. It opened its doors with a production of Maffei's "Merope," setting the stage for centuries of theatrical excellence.

The Manoel Theatre is an architectural gem, boasting an intimate 623-seat auditorium. Its oval shape, adorned with three tiers of wooden boxes decorated in gold leaf, and a pale blue trompe-l'œil ceiling that mimics a round cupola, offers audiences a uniquely immersive experience. This design not only reflects the grandeur of its era but also creates an atmosphere of closeness to the performances.

Serving as Malta's national theatre and the home of the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, the Manoel has a rich legacy of fostering the arts. It presents a diverse array of performances, including theatre in both English and Maltese, opera, musical recitals, poetry readings, dramatic readings, and an eagerly anticipated annual Christmas pantomime, primarily produced by the Malta Amateur Dramatic Club. The venue's commitment to showcasing both local talent and international stars has made it a pivotal platform for cultural expression and appreciation in Malta.

Why You Should Visit:
Once you are in this theatre, it seems you flew back in time. There is also the theatre museum just next door which is worth a visit.

Tip:
You can get a good view from almost every position – just avoid the gallery seats as these are not very comfortable and are often behind some column. The boxes, however, are very good.