Stand-up comedy in Malta

Abstract

There have been several staggered attempts in the past to get a stand-up scene going in Malta, and whether it currently qualifies as a “scene” at all is still open to question. There is, however, clearly something emerging, albeit in its fledgeling stages. Laugh Out Loud Productions, on hiatus since 2014 (but with plans to resume operation in the near future) had taken an initiative in 2004 to invite stand-up comedians from the US, UK, Australia, and elsewhere—going on to organise events on a regular basis and exposing Maltese audiences to live performance of a form rarely seen locally. The turnouts suggested that, while there was, as yet, a dearth of local performers, there was at least a keen demand on the part of audiences which made itself felt. One notable attempt to establish a local unit of performers committed to stand-up—the Wembley Store Boys—had succeeded in building up some kind of base, but was abandoned and failed to take root. Nonetheless, undeterred, a number of venues have since sprung up that have announced themselves willing to host stand-up events, and a handful of performers are becoming recognisable presences on the budding scene. Though its extensions and efforts have been tinged with a degree of tentativeness, a circuit is steadily asserting itself, generating expectations through its systematic insistence. [Excerpt]