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There is nothing that says ‘it’s nearly Christmas’, to me, like pantomime season kicking off at The Regent Theatre. I’m one of those people who have been to the panto near enough every year since I was little, and I’m sure it’ll be the same for many others, too. But whether you’re a seasoned panto fan, or this year is your first foray into the fun, frocks and frolicks, Dick Whittington proves to be a spectacular festive night out for all the family.
With Jonathan Wilkes marking an incredible 20 years of starring in the city’s panto, the production pulls out all the stops, with Jonny, as ever, being the heart and soul of the show. His energy, enthusiasm and cheekiness are unmatched and his ability to connect with the crowd is effortless – he’s been doing it for two decades, after all.
He makes his grand entrance to none other than his pal Robbie Williams’ Let Me Entertain You… and entertain you he will through plenty of local gags, slapstick and silliness. While he might poke fun at Stoke City Football Club and Cheadle, Jonny’s love for Stoke shines through, especially when delivering a heartfelt speech on opening night, where he told the audience: “It’s been a privilege to be here for 20 years. I owe so much to this city, and I love it with all my heart.” It’s clear the feeling is mutual – he’s greeted like family by an audience who have grown up with him.
But Jonny doesn’t carry the show alone. He’s reunited with Christian Patterson, who makes a roaring return as has Dick’s mum after a two-year hiatus. Christian’s rolls in to AC/DC’s Thunderstruck, but there are no Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders in sight, just a ‘fat Welshwoman in a frock’, and his outrageous costumes and relentless stream of jokes – from tongue twisters to cheeky innuendos – leave the audience in stitches. Together, Jonny and Christian are pure comedic gold, with a natural chemistry that can only be a result of over a decade’s worth of friendship.
Of course, no panto is complete without a villain, and Kai Owen’s King Rat is a standout. Back for his ninth Regent panto, Kai revels in his role, lapping up boos and delivering a wickedly fun performance, even if Jonny does poke fun at his former Hollyoaks career. His vocal number, “One Villain” – a reimagining of Queen’s One Vision – lets him show off his powerhouse pipes, while a giant animatronic rat helps bring a bit of spectacle and terror to younger viewers.
The newcomers impress too, particularly Marlee Jay as Tommy the Cat. With choreography courtesy of Paul Domaine and training from Jonny and wife Nikki’s Wilkes Academy, Tommy’s routines are slick and full of sass, backed by an incredibly talented ensemble.
West End’s Gina Murray made for a wonderful Spirit of the Burslem Bells, while Samara Casteallo’s Alice Fitzwarren completes the main cast with some great vocals and a dazzling sweet shop solo.
With amazing special effects, stunning sets and beautiful costumes direct from The London Palladium, Dick Whittington is packed with all the traditional pantomime ingredients Stoke audiences know to expect, from the 12 Stokie Days of Christmas to precarious tongue twisters. The jokes come thick and fast, too, with references to recent headlines and local institutions – not to mention the fact that the innuendos write themselves, providing quite literally a laugh-a-minute show.
Full of humour and heart, The Regent Theatre’s Dick Whittington is one of the best – and certainly most mischievous pantomimes I’ve seen – but there’s something that feels particularly poignant about this one. I don’t know whether it’s the fact it’s Jonny’s big anniversary, or that Stoke-on-Trent is celebrating 100 years as a city next year, or that Christian is back as everyone’s favourite dame, but it feels like the stars have aligned to deliver some real Christmas magic to The Regent Theatre this season. And you can still be a part of that festive wonder and bag yourself tickets here. With tickets available from £13, Dick Whittington runs at The Regent Theatre until January 5.
