A Time-Hopping Romance Comes to Santa Venera
The Malta Amateur Dramatic Club has opened bookings for Suspicious Minds, a sharp and inventive stage production that won hearts at the Edinburgh Fringe and is now making its way to local audiences [1]. Written by Royal Court playwright Tom Fowler and directed by Justin Kyle Camilleri, this distinctive play tells the story of Mark and Fran, a struggling British couple who book a commercial time-travel holiday in a last-ditch attempt to save their relationship [1].
What sets this production apart is its innovative format. Performed as live radio-theatre, the cast creates the entire time-hopping world onstage, building soundscapes and effects live through foley work and music as the narrative unfolds [1]. The journey takes the couple from Ancient Rome to an Elvis concert in Hawaii, stopping along the way in Regency England and 1940s New York, among other destinations [1].
The MADC production stars Shaun Rizzo and Thea Costa as Mark and Fran, with Myron Ellul and Maya Micallef Engerer playing multiple characters whilst crafting the foley sound effects that bring the production to life [1].
"Suspicious Minds is unlike anything we've staged at MADC before," says Stephen Oliver, MADC's Artistic Director. "It's funny, it's moving and the live radio-theatre format makes for a different and distinctive night out. This is one of those shows that works on every level – a clever premise, sharp writing, brilliant performances" [1].
When and Where to Catch It
The production runs across two weekends at the MADC Playhouse in Santa Venera, with performances on 17, 18, 19 and 24, 25, 26 April, all starting at 8pm [1]. Tickets are priced at €20 and €25 and are available now through www.madc.com.mt [1]. The production is suitable for audiences aged 16 and over [1].
There's an added incentive for those attending the Friday 24 April performance – a post-show Q&A with playwright Tom Fowler himself, offering a rare opportunity to go behind the script with the writer [1].
A Festival Favourite Comes Home
When Suspicious Minds premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2017, it made an impression. Critics described it as 'brilliant' and 'endearing', whilst also praising its 'fun, clever way of staging' [1]. For Stephen Oliver and the MADC team, bringing this distinctive production to Malta's audiences represents a chance to showcase something genuinely different – a theatrical experience that works on multiple levels, combining humour, heart, and real ingenuity in how the story is told.