Once Upon A String in Valletta: A Family-Friendly Cultural Pick for Malta in March

Malta is easy to picture as a place for adults. Historic streets, sea views, old buildings, long lunches, and late evenings all sell themselves. The harder question for many parents is what to do with children once the novelty of walking around wears off.

That is what makes Once Upon A String interesting. It is the kind of event many travelling families would be happy to discover before arriving: short enough to be manageable, creative enough to feel memorable, and rooted in a Malta setting rather than feeling like something generic that could happen anywhere.

This is an interview with Kate Fenech Field the writer/director and TOI TOI Programme manager, who answered our questions on her events.

1. How did the idea for Once Upon A String come together, and what kind of experience were you hoping to create for children and families? 
   The idea of stringing stories from different genres together really comes from a love of literature and music, with an obvious influence of Sondheim, the Grimm Brothers and Hans Christian Anderson. The audience love to see characters from different stories meeting each other, employing a large crossover of fairytale heroes and villains. The main underlying aim is to educate and entertain by stealth, in this case the learning is music-based, choosing mainly well-known contemporary repertoire. The production is quite adaptable, we’ve had fun updating the script and some of the pieces, to include latest hits while also adding standard string quartet repertoire by Shostakovich and Mendelssohn to add some musical depth. 

2. What age range does the show work best for, and what makes it especially engaging for younger audiences?
    I wrote this piece for the 5-8 year age bracket, though it is suitable for younger and older children. Younger children are used to hearing bedtime stories, including traditional fairytales which often feature topics encouraging critical and creative thinking including distinguishing between right and wrong and encouraging empathy. Through the use of a central storyteller and the inclusion live music played by the string quartet, we immerse the children in the action, helping them to participate in driving the narrative forward. 

3. For families visiting Teatru Manoel Studio Theatre for the first time, is there anything useful to know before coming along?
    Situated on Old Mint Street, our No.81 building is a hub of training and rehearsal activity, we have worked very hard to create a relaxed and informal experience for families in our Studio Theatre; the facilities are all on one level with ushers and personnel available to assist visitors. 

4. What tends to surprise you most about performing live string music and storytelling for young audiences?
    Great question! I think the genuine fascination of children to learn new things, to watch them light up when they hear familiar songs, but also their willingness to accept contemporary repertoire with the same enthusiasm always delights me. Mostly, it is the joy of watching parents seeing their children enjoy live theatre which continues to surprise and motivate me and the team to put on a great show. 

Why this belongs on a Malta planning shortlist

This is the kind of event that helps make Malta feel more rounded as a family destination. It shows that the island is not only about beaches, sightseeing, and restaurants. It also has smaller cultural experiences that can genuinely work for children without talking down to them.

If you are planning a March visit, Once Upon A String is the sort of detail that can help shape a better day in Valletta: one that feels easier, more distinctive, and more family-aware than simply wandering until everyone gets tired.

Book your tickets to Once Upon A string

Thanks to Kate Fenech Field for bringing culture to children and joy to their lives.