There are Christmas traditions, and then, there’s Stokie yuletide rituals. Forget about eating mince pies and watching your favourite festive film – it’s not Chrimbo in The Potteries until you’ve heard Jonny Wilkes swing onto the stage of The Regent Theatre and shout ‘ay up, me ducks’.
This year’s magical production of Cinderella proves once again why families return year after year, and why the panto remains one of the most beloved festive outings in the city.
Jonny Wilkes
Essex might have Rylan Clark, Sheffield can have Kevin Clifton but here in Stoke-on-Trent, for 21 years and counting, we’ve enjoyed the company and familiarity of Jonathan Wilkes. Former You’ve Been Framed host, Soccer Aid co-founder and singer of Just Another Day (with pal Robbie Williams), Jonny has become a hallmark of the Regent’s festive season. His pride for the city runs deep and few people know their audiences as well as the lad from Baddeley Green. Is there really anyone who could do a better job?
The perfect mix of classic and chaos
Cinderella is a timeless tale, and the Regent Theatre knows exactly how to sprinkle in the right amount of slapstick and sparkle into a beloved story. Theatre-goers can expect utter chaos in the form of toilet rolls and water pistols, as well as sweet, fairytale moments ensuring the show balances everything that makes panto special.
Stunning stage magic
If there’s one thing the Regent Theatre never skimps on, it’s spectacle, and this year’s Cinderella is no exception. From dazzling costume transformations and dancing pumpkins – the production is as impressive as ever. And yes – the carriage moment is as breathtaking and aww-inducing as audiences hope it will be.
Local humour that lands brilliantly
There’s something uniquely brilliant about panto jokes that only Stokies will understand. Whether it’s cheeky nods to football rivalries, community in-jokes, or the mention of local institutions, the Regent’s panto never forgets where it comes from. It’s authentic, innately local and proud. And, of course, in keeping with tradition – Beryl Smith is poorly again this year.
Audience participation done properly
From the smallest children to the most reluctant grownups, no one leaves without joining in with the Regent Theatre panto, whether you like it or not – from celebrity lookalikes in the audience, to a classic “he’s behind you”. Even the Scroogiest among us can’t help but secretly hope Kai Owen is run ragged around the auditorium for a string of loo rolls, and will gladly boo the ugly step sisters, who this year, have got all the gen-z slang down.
A brilliant cast that feels like family
Beyond Jonny Wilkes, the supporting cast is always stellar. Kai, starring as Dandini this year, is enjoying a decade of Regent Theatre pantos and is an honorary Stokie at this point. Amanda Coutts has returned to the city, too, this time as Hernia Hardup, stealing scenes with her sister, Veruca, portrayed by Rebecca McKinnis.
Kirsty Ingram’s Cinderella is as witty as she is warm, with a particularly hilarious scene sat on the wall with the Prince (Ben Oatley), interrupted by Buttons. And a special mention must go to Rhiane Drummond as our Fairy Godmother this year, with some powerhouse vocals, bringing the required amount of sass to her role.
The definition of a family-friendly show
Perhaps the most beautiful thing about the Regent Theatre panto is how genuinely inclusive it is. It truly brings the whole family together, from toddlers experiencing their first theatre trip to great-grandparents who’ve been coming for decades.
This year, the script does a fantastic job at flying over little heads when it needs to, but also really makes those born post-2000 feel included. References to “six seven”, Snapchat and “sigma” sit comfortably alongside traditional panto humour, proving the show understands its audience – each and every of them.
Cinderella is on at The Regent Theatre until Sunday, January 4 with tickets available from £15 here.
