The Manoel Theatre and Malta National Opera have announced the complete cast for their forthcoming production of Verdi’s Falstaff.
The cast is led by Bulgarian baritone Kiril Manolov in the title role, a performer widely recognised for his commanding interpretations of Verdi across major opera houses in Europe, Asia and the US. He is joined by Italian baritone Vittorio Prato as Ford and Italian soprano Elisa Balbo as Alice Ford, forming the dramatic core of the Windsor household with voices shaped by extensive experience in the Italian repertoire.
The young lovers are portrayed by Maltese tenor Nico Darmanin as Fenton and Italian soprano Letizia Bertoldi as Nannetta. Darmanin continues a strong international trajectory with appearances across leading European houses.
The women of Windsor are completed by Welsh mezzo-soprano Angharad Rowlands as Meg Page, a rising star of the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment for the 2025 to 2027 period, and Italian mezzo-soprano Isabel De Paoli as Mistress Quickly, a role she has performed in major Italian and international theatres. Together, the ensemble forms the opera’s central comic engine, built on precision, timing and vocal contrast.
The supporting cast includes Scottish tenor Harry Nicoll as Bardolfo and Welsh bass baritone Wyn Pencarreg as Pistola, two specialists in character roles whose experience spans the Royal Opera House, Glyndebourne, and leading UK and European companies. Maltese tenor Stanley Joe Portelli completes the cast as Dr Caius, bringing local presence and continuity to the ensemble.
The production is conducted by Federico Tibone, with the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, and directed by Barbara Diana, with set and costume design by Stewart J, Charlesworth and movement direction by Megan Frances. Together, the creative team and cast shape a production that places ensemble balance, character detail and musical clarity at its centre.
Falstaff will be performed at the Manoel Theatre in Valletta from February 22 to March 1.