Dick Whittington at Regent Theatre, Stoke on Trent

DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW

Reviewed by Deborah Lowndes

It’s my favourite time of year and I love a good pantomime during the festive period. I was highly excited and honoured to be asked to review at my favourite theatre, The Regent Theatre, Stoke on Trent. Just walking through the door at this outstanding venue, seeing the Christmas décor and experiencing the wonderful atmosphere fills me with delight and happiness. It’s brought out my ‘Christmas Vibes, and I know it was going to be great night.

I have attended several pantomimes at The Regent Theatre over the years and on every occasion they have been truly outstanding, well on another level and topping other theatres by far. I do not live locally to Stoke, and I have four theatres closer to home. However, I choose to make the journey to Stoke due to there being more laughter and enjoyment to be gained. Or maybe it is Jonathan Wilkes who does it for me who knows? It’s one of the things which makes my Christmas special seeing my families and others belly laughing and having an amazing evening making special memories. All thanks to Jonathan Wilkes, his cast, The Regent Theatre and all their staff. Well Done!

This year’s pantomime is Dick Whittington and the charming, super hilarious Stoke Legend Jonathan Wilkes is here to take us on an entertaining, laughter filled adventure. Dick and his black trusty cat, Tommy (Marlee Jay with amazing sassy dance skills) embark on an action packed fun filled adventure. Searching for love, fame and wealth with the ultimate aim to become Lord Mayor. Along the adventure they have many encounters villain king rat (Kai Owen) and his scheming and rats, the spirit of bow bells (Gina Murray) with her words of wisdom, Alice with her love and affection and of course his mother Sarah the cook (Christian Patterson).

The stage settings are enchanting. The dancers all Wilkes Academy trained displayed many different styles from sassy to classic with some family favourites which we all know. The singing was outstanding. Costumes were eye-catching, full of sparkle, glitter galore and hugely colourful.

Christian Patterson and Jonathan Wilkes both went ABOVE and BEYOND to entertain all including themselves. A very entertaining fun filled evening for the whole family. The cast also ensure the adults are laughing to as well as the kids the cheeky jokes and scenes.

This year’s pantomime is extra special for one the farting expert Christian Patterson is back to delight the audience. Plus Jonathan Wilkes is celebrating 20 years since his very first panto at The Regent Theatre. You can always see the passion Jonathan has for his city, it just oozes out and fills the theatre year on year. This year though you can see the emotion and just how much it means to him to delight the potteries.

I cannot wait to see what next year has in store. I always know there is something new to be seen each year. Likewise I always know it will never disappoint. For me it is the best Panto ever.

Everyone involved show be very proud it is obvious that so much hard work, passion and dedication is put into planning the Pantomime each and every year. Keep up the outstanding work,

I cannot recommend enough, everyone should purchase their tickets to see this outstanding five star performance ⭐ Tickets start from £13.00 and can be purchase from www.atgtickets.com.

You will definitely not be disappointed and will be reminiscing for days, weeks and even years ahead. Once you’ve seen one performance I and sure you will be like me and be a regular returner. 

Rating:

Fri 13 Dec 2024 – Sun 5 Jan 2025