During the latter years of their rule over the Maltese Islands, the Knights were no longer fully occupied in fighting the Ottoman Turks, and they could devote a good part of their time to amusement and leisure. Most of the younger knights lead a life of indolence and of worldly pursuits. They looked for all sorts of entertainment and pas times. Theatrical performances were held in the large halls of the Auberges, particularly in the Auberge of the Italian Langue where such productions were regularly held.
The demand for entertainment was such that in 1731 Grand Master Manoel de Vilhena commissioned the little theatre which bears his name to this day. The new theatre was inaugurated in 1732 with the opera Merope by Maffei.
The theatre became very popular, but the days of the Order in Malta were numbered. Napoleon Bonaparte captured the island in June 1798.
During their two years of occupation, the French made ample use of the theatre. After their capitulation in 1800, the British also utilised the premises to entertain civil and military personnel serving in Malta.
When the Royal Opera House was built in 1861, the old Manoel Theatre fell into disuse. For almost two decades it served as a lodging house for beggars at a penny per night; but when fire destroyed the Opera House in 1881, the Manoel was used for theatrical performances, pending restoration of the larger theatre.
For several years between the two World Wars, the Manoel Theatre was used as a cinema.
The Royal Opera House was destroyed by aerial bombardment in 1942 and has not, so far, been rebuilt. In the late 1950's Government decided to restore and refurbish the Manoel Theatre. On completion of the extensive works, the new Manoel Theatre was placed under a Committee of Management.
A resident orchestra was formed and a yearly subsidy was allotted to meet rising costs. Such remedies had the effect of bringing back the Manoel Theatre to its former grandeur, and also to make of it a centre of cultural life.
A few years ago a part of the buildinq was converted into a foyer cum library where actors and drama students can do research work and attend lectures.
The Manoel is one of the oldest theatres in Europe. It is not large in size, but it is a gem of baroque art. Its acoustics are first class. An audience of about 600 can be seated altogether.
The renovated Manoel Theatre, which has been instrumental in improving standards in dramatic productions, has now become a venue for theatre-lovers from all walks of life.
Guided tours of the theatre are held regularly.
