Photo credit Claralou Photography
It’s officially the Christmas season in Hanley! There’s only one way to mark when that begins and that is when Jonathan Wilkes run onto the Regent stage and says ‘Ay Up Me Ducks’.
A milestone year, Jonny is celebrating 20 years since his first Regent Theatre panto. This time he takes on the role of Dick Whittington. Dick (and his trusty cat!) seek fame, fortune and happiness journeying to become Lord Mayor. Can he outwit the evil rodent King Rat and free the city from his team of revolting rodents? Will true love prevail?
The glitz and glamour was evident immediately from the get-go with a fantastically colourful opening number, complete with full dance ensemble and pyrotechnics against a fantastic backdrop of ‘Old Stokey’.
Jonny was, as ever, a stalwart. He loves the Stoke audience and the Stoke audience love him. Addressing his 20th year at the end of the show, visibly emotional, he talked about how much the cast, crew and audience mean to him. It was also announced that Jonny has played to over a million audience members during that time. A huge achievement and proof positive that he is a huge part of so many people’s Christmas festivities. in the area
Joining back after a two year absence, was Christian Patterson, this his 15th panto year in Stoke. His appearance on stage got a huge cheer. Jonny and Christian were unsurprisingly responsible for the night’s most funny moments, the chemistry between them producing hilarious ad-libs and their laughter at one another, infectious.
Kai Owen, back for a 9th time, this time as King Rat was great in the role, also joining in the hilarity during some of the other sketches. Including the famous ’12 Days Of Christmas’ and ‘Busy Bee’.
Gina Murray and Samara Casteallo were marvellous as The Spirit Of Bow Bells and Alice Fitzwarren. Their singing was absolutely fantastic and their harmonies during their duets were spot-on. Marlee Jay played Tommy the cat and was very impressive with his acrobatics on stage and dance routines.
The costumes were extravagant and hugely impressive, demonstrated in particular during Samara’s ‘Oh What A Sweet Shop’ as well as of course, the finale.
The whole performance was high-energy from the start and never once relented on the pace of the action. It all concluded with a deserved standing ovation, the cast looking on, clearly loving to be once again at this fabulous venue.
Its a five star performance from start to finish. There’s thrills, laughs, jokes for the kids, jokes for mum’s and dads and is as much a part of Christmas tradition as Turkey and tinsel.
Tickets for this show are still available, with several matinee performances. They are available from the box office or online here: https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/dick-whittington/regent-theatre/
