Peñíscola News

September 24, 2026 - 18:09

The Peñíscola Congress Centre hosted the official presentation of “Papa Luna, the Musical” this Friday, September 4. The new production by La Farsa Compañía will bring to the stage the story of one of the figures most closely linked to the history of Peñíscola: Benedict XIII, known as Pope Luna.

The presentation was attended by the Territorial Delegate of the Valencian Institute of Culture, Nuria Felip; the producer of “Papa Luna, the Musical”, Carlos Delshorts; the CEO of ZT Hotels, Javier Gallego, representing the project’s official sponsor; and the Mayor of Peñíscola, Andrés Martínez. During the event, they highlighted the value of a production that brings together history, culture, tourism and the promotion of the local area.

The event also brought together representatives from institutions, the cultural sector, tourism and business, including the Councillor for Culture and members of the municipal corporation, the director of Pope Luna’s Castle, representatives of the Friends of Pope Luna Association, as well as relatives, friends and associates of La Farsa Compañía and the artistic team, along with members of the media and the general public.

A production that brings the story of Pope Luna to the stage

The presentation began with speeches by institutional representatives and those responsible for the project.

Nuria Felip, Territorial Delegate of the Valencian Institute of Culture, opened the series of speeches, highlighting the importance of hosting a production at the Peñíscola Congress Centre that is directly connected with the city’s history and heritage.

Next, Carlos Delshorts, producer of “Papa Luna, the Musical”, explained the origins of the idea and the process that has led to its transformation into a theatrical production. During his speech, he highlighted the work carried out by its creators and their aim of bringing the figure of Pope Luna to new audiences through musical theatre.

For his part, Javier Gallego, CEO of ZT Hotels, the project’s official sponsor, expressed the company’s commitment to an initiative that connects culture, tourism and the promotion of the local area, with Peñíscola being one of its main elements of identity.

The institutional speeches concluded with the intervention of Peñíscola Mayor Andrés Martínez, who highlighted the significance of the city hosting a show dedicated to Benedict XIII. He also pointed out that this is the first time a musical has been specifically created to bring the figure of Pope Luna closer to the public through a theatrical perspective.

The Mayor also congratulated La Farsa Compañía on the commitment involved in launching a production of this kind and expressed the City Council’s support for the project, with the aim of contributing to its continuity and ensuring that the show remains linked to Peñíscola over the coming years.

The cast introduces the musical’s protagonists to the public for the first time

One of the central moments of the event was the official presentation of the cast of “Papa Luna, the Musical”.

Artistic director Susana Bordería introduced the ten artists who make up the cast. They took to the stage one by one to introduce themselves to the audience.

The presentation also provided the first opportunity to hear some of the songs that will feature in the production, performed live. As a preview of the premiere performances, attendees were able to hear two songs from the musical.

The first featured Clara Ruiz and Javier Diez, who play Queen Violante of Aragon and Juan de Luna, respectively. They performed an excerpt from one of the pieces connected to the love story portrayed in the production.

This was followed by Manuel Valero, who plays Benedict XIII in “Papa Luna, the Musical”, performing a second song from the show.

The performances offered the audience a first glimpse of the artistic concept behind a production that combines history, music and acting to bring the figure of Pedro de Luna to new audiences.

The premiere will take place on December 18, 19 and 20 in Peñíscola

“Papa Luna, the Musical” will take to the stage at the Peñíscola Congress Centre on Friday 18, Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 December, with these dates scheduled for the production’s first performances.

Tickets for these performances are already on sale through the official website: www.papalunaelmusical.com

The organisers are expected to announce the opening of ticket sales shortly for the new performances planned for 2027, continuing the project and expanding its run following the premiere performances.

Peñíscola, both the setting and an essential part of the story

The official presentation concluded with a reception, giving the artistic and production teams the opportunity to meet with institutional representatives, collaborating companies, members of the media and the attending public.

The event also featured a photocall where the cast and guests could have their photographs taken, bringing to a close an event that marks the beginning of the countdown to the premiere.

With this official presentation, La Farsa Compañía begins the countdown to bringing the story of Pope Luna to the stage, with Peñíscola serving both as the setting and as a fundamental element of a production that seeks to bring to the theatre one of the most unique episodes connected to the city’s history and introduce it to audiences through musical theatre.