As summer fades into autumn on the island of Gozo, theatre lovers gather for the Gozo Theatre Festival, a vibrant celebration of performing arts and community spirit. Set for September 8 and 10, 2025, in the charming Villa Rundle Gardens in Victoria, this festival turns the island’s heart into an open-air stage. It brings together local and international talent for a weekend of plays that mix laughter, drama, and connection, making it a special event that feels warm and welcoming.
A Celebration of Theatre and Togetherness
Since its start in 2023, the Gozo Theatre Festival has grown into a beloved event, staying true to its mission of showcasing creativity and supporting local artists. Organized by Limestone Pictures and BETA Entertainment Theatre Academy, with support from the Ministry for Gozo and the Gozo Cultural Heritage Directorate, the festival is all about bringing people together through stories. The 2025 edition, the third, expects to draw crowds for its free, open-air shows. Last year’s festival, held on September 9 and 11, 2024, was a hit, with six plays that left audiences buzzing, setting a high bar for 2025.
Set in the lush Villa Rundle Gardens, the festival creates a cosy vibe with no big stages or flashy lights, just heartfelt performances under the stars, surrounded by greenery and Gozo’s laid-back charm.
The Site: Villa Rundle Gardens and Victoria’s Heart
The Gozo Theatre Festival takes place in Victoria, Gozo’s capital, with Villa Rundle Gardens as its main stage. This green oasis, filled with trees and flowers, feels like a natural theatre, perfect for open-air shows. The main performance area is set up under the evening sky, with seating for audiences to enjoy plays in a relaxed setting. Smaller spaces in the gardens host workshops and talks, adding to the intimate feel.
Visitors can stroll through the gardens, grab snacks from local vendors serving Maltese treats like pastizzi or kinnie, or chat with actors and directors. The setup invites everyone to feel part of the experience, whether you’re a theatre fan or just wandering by in Victoria’s historic streets.
A Line-up of Stories and Talent
The Gozo Theatre Festival shines with its mix of original plays, blending comedy, tragedy, and mystery. In 2025, expect six new productions, featuring local Gozitan actors, directors, and international guests. The line-up, to be announced closer to the date, will include a range of styles, from dark comedy to crime drama, all crafted to spark emotion and thought.
In 2024, highlights included two guest plays by BETA Entertainment Theatre Academy students: a fun King Lear for Kids, adapted from Shakespeare, and a thrilling Jekyll & Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson, both reimagined by Brendan Kelso. These shows brought young talent to the stage, and 2025 will likely feature similar fresh voices alongside seasoned performers, keeping the festival’s focus on nurturing new artists.
Days and Nights Under the Stars
Afternoons at the festival start with a gentle buzz. Workshops and open discussions fill the gardens, where visitors can learn about acting, writing, or directing. Families, friends, and solo travelers relax on blankets, enjoying local food like ftira sandwiches or fresh lemonade from stalls. Artisans sell handmade crafts, adding to the community feel.
As evening sets in, the main performances begin at 8 PM. The gardens light up softly, and the air fills with stories that echo through the night. The 2024 shows, like the lively kids’ play and gripping mystery, kept crowds hooked, and 2025 promises more of that magic. The vibe stays warm and inviting, no loud effects, just tales that feel real and close.
After the main shows, smaller gatherings like post-performance chats with actors or impromptu poetry readings keep the night alive. The close connection between performers and the audience makes every moment special.
A Festival Built on Shared Passion
The Gozo Theatre Festival is more than plays, it’s about creativity and community. It offers workshops for aspiring theatre-makers, acting classes for kids, and talks on Gozo’s growing arts scene. In 2024, the festival worked with young performers from BETA Academy, giving them a stage to shine, and 2025 will continue to support new talent.
The event partners with local businesses, using Maltese food and crafts to keep things sustainable and support the island’s economy. The schedule leaves room for casual moments, like chatting with a director or joining a storytelling circle, giving the weekend a natural, flowing energy.
Planning Your Visit
The Gozo Theatre Festival is free, so no tickets are needed, but arriving early ensures a good spot in the gardens. Check the festival’s website or social media for the 2025 program and updates. Shows start at 8 PM, and the gardens open earlier for workshops and food stalls.
Victoria is easy to reach by ferry from Malta, then a short bus or car ride to Villa Rundle. Visitors can stay in Gozo’s guesthouses, small hotels, or nearby farmhouses for a cozy island experience. Getting there early lets you explore Victoria’s historic streets and soak in the festival’s laid-back vibe.
Why Gozo Theatre Festival Stands Out
In a world of big productions and crowded venues, this festival feels refreshingly real. There are no corporate banners or exclusive areas, just open gardens, heartfelt plays, and people coming together for art. It’s the kind of place where you might laugh at a comedy with a stranger, join a workshop to try acting, or watch a drama under the stars. It’s not about being noticed, it’s about feeling connected.
Gozo’s small-town charm adds to the magic, making the festival a unique spot for theatre lovers. The 2024 edition proved its heart, with young actors stealing the show and audiences leaving inspired, setting high hopes for 2025.
Explore Gozo’s Charm
Beyond the festival, Gozo offers quiet beauty. Wander Victoria’s narrow streets, visit the Cittadella fortress, or relax by the coast. Local cafes serve fresh Maltese dishes, and markets sell crafts like lace or pottery. Morning walks or chats in the gardens add to the experience, making memories as strong as the plays.
The Gozo Theatre Festival 2025 is more than theatre, it’s a chance to feel at home in art. With its open-air stage, talented performers, and shared moments in Victoria’s gardens, it invites you to laugh, think, connect, and carry those stories long after the final curtain falls.
Follow Gozo Theatre Festival online for updates on plays, schedules, and travel tips:
Instagram: @gozotheatrefestival
Zond