The theatre community in Malta and beyond is mourning the loss of renowned actress and director Polly March, who has just passed away at the age of 77.
She was a respected figure in Maltese theatre, known for her captivating performances and deep commitment to the arts.
Ms March's contributions to the Maltese theatre scene were vast, and she played an integral role in elevating local productions to international standards. Whether on stage or behind the scenes, she brought her distinctive passion and creativity to everything she worked on.
A life devoted to theatre
Ms March was born in Sliema and moved to London when she was eight years old. She returned to Malta in 2005, and she quickly became a prominent figure in the island’s theatre scene, contributing to numerous productions both as an actress and as a director. Her work with various local theatre companies, including Masquerade Theatre Company and MADC, earned her widespread recognition and admiration.
She was known for her versatility as an actress, able to take on both comedic and dramatic roles with ease. Her performances in productions such as ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ and ‘Calendar Girls’ showcased her ability to captivate audiences with her wit, charm, and emotional depth. In addition to her stage work, Ms March was a talented voice artist, providing narration for documentaries and lending her voice to radio plays.
Her directorial efforts were equally lauded, with productions such as ‘The Vagina Monologues’ and ‘The Odd Couple’ becoming standout successes under her leadership. Ms March had an eye for detail and an innate ability to bring out the best in her cast members, earning her the respect of colleagues and aspiring performers alike.
A champion of local talent
Beyond her own impressive body of work, Ms March was dedicated to fostering local talent.
he served as a mentor to countless young actors, always encouraging them to hone their craft and pursue their passion. Her commitment to the arts extended to her work in theatre education, where she helped develop theatre programmes that nurtured the next generation of Maltese performers.
Her involvement with Masquerade Theatre Company was particularly significant. She worked closely with the company on numerous productions and workshops, becoming an integral part of their mission to promote theatre arts in Malta. Her biography on their website highlights her extensive experience and dedication to the craft, with a career spanning over three decades.
Remembering Polly March
Tributes have poured in from the theatre community and fans alike. Many have taken to social media to express their condolences and share memories of Ms March’s kindness, professionalism, and talent. Her death marks the end of an era for Maltese theatre, but her influence will undoubtedly live on through the many actors, directors, and theatre lovers she inspired.
Actress Kim Dalli said: "Such a devastating loss to Malta’s theatre community. A consummate actress, a caring soul."
Film-maker Jeremy Vella wrote: "On set, she brought flair, passion, delicate emotion and most importantly, fun and laughter", adding that he felt "privileged and honoured to have directed her in a music video last December."
Teatru Salesjan also took to social media to express their condolences, writing that she “will be dearly missed, but her spirit lives on in the work and in the hearts of all who knew her.”
As the theatre lights dim in her honour, Ms March will be remembered not just for her remarkable talent, but for her generosity of spirit and her unwavering dedication to the arts.
