Opening night at The Regent Theatre is our sign that Christmas is just around the corner, and this year’s panto, Dick Whittington, was no exception.
The Verdict: Visually stunning and side-splittingly funny – a master class in Christmas entertainment that won’t disappoint – we loved it!
This year’s production was brimming with all the classic ingredients of a great British panto: infectious humour, catchy songs, dazzling sets, and, of course, plenty of audience participation.
It’s also fair to say that Dick Whittington was the cheekiest panto we’ve seen in years. The “Dick” jokes were flying faster than Tommy the Cat, soaring over the heads of younger audience members, prompting curious questions from older children, and leaving the grown-ups in absolute hysterics.
Jonny Wilkes’ 20th Panto at The Regent
This opening night was particularly special, marking Jonny Wilkes’ 20th consecutive panto at The Regent Theatre — a truly fantastic achievement.
Jonny has become a cornerstone of the city’s festive season, bringing joy, laughter, and a huge helping of cheek to audiences of all ages. His rapport with the crowd, built over two decades, is a joy to watch – it feels like he’s performing for family.
As Dick Whittington, Jonny delivered another knockout performance, full of his signature cheeky charm and effortless stage presence. The audience loved him from the moment he stepped on stage, lapping up every classic “Ay up me ducks!” and, of course, the now infamous annual gag about Beryl; here’s hoping Beryl feels better soon!
Joining Jonny on stage after a two-year hiatus was Christian Patterson, and what a return it was! As Sarah, the Cook, Christian was larger-than-life, delivering laugh-after-laugh with his flamboyant costumes and brilliant comic timing. His booming Welsh accent added an extra layer of hilarity, and the chemistry between Jonny and Christian reminded us why they’re such a great partnership.
Villains, Heroes, and a Scene-Stealing Cat
No panto would be complete without a villain, and Kai Owen’s King Rat did not disappoint. He oozed menace while keeping the audience thoroughly entertained, earning loud boos every time he took to the stage. It’s a tough job being the baddie in a panto, but Kai played it to perfection.
While the returning stars shone, the newcomers also left a lasting impression. Marlee Jay’s performance as Tommy the Cat was particularly memorable. His incredible dancing and physical comedy added an extra layer of energy to the production, and our family loved him! Samara Casteallo, as Alice Fitzwarren, brought a strong vocal performance to the role of Dick’s love interest, while Gina Murray dazzled as the magical Spirit of Bow Bells, lighting up the stage with her graceful presence.
Spectacle and Festive Magic
This year’s panto was visually spectacular! The vibrant, colourful sets and dazzling costumes added to the sense of magic and fun, while the lighting and sound teams deserve a special mention for their outstanding production. We do have to give special mention to the enormous rat that emerged during the performance. Those in the front rows must have thought it was coming for them!
Music, Dancing, and Classic Moments
The musical numbers were a resounding success, with the audience clapping and dancing along at times. The ensemble cast gave a high-energy performance with lively choreography that was as polished as it was fun. From show-stopping group numbers to individual standouts, the music brought festive cheer to every corner of the theatre.
And then, of course, there were the panto traditions. The tongue-twisting wordplay, the playful jabs at neighbouring towns, and Jonny’s birthday shout-outs all made a return. These classic moments kept the audience engaged and laughing throughout, proving that some things never get old.
Family ALBOS was pleased to see the return of the hilarious 12 Days of Christmas routine. A special shout out to Kai, who was fearless and funny as he tracked down the “five toilet rolls” – this is a real family favourite for us!
Final Thoughts
The show concluded on a heartfelt note, with Jonny addressing the audience and reflecting on his incredible 20-year journey at The Regent Theatre. He praised the wonderful people of Stoke, as well as the cast, crew, and theatre staff who make the magic happen each year. It’s clear that pantomime is in Jonny’s blood, and judging by his enthusiasm, there’s no doubt he’ll be gracing this stage for many more years to come.
Once again, Dick Whittington proves why The Regent Theatre’s pantomime is such a cherished festive tradition – thanks for inviting us along! It’s cheeky, it’s charming, and it’s packed with fun for the whole family. Whether you’re cheering for the hero or booing the villain, this is a show that will leave you laughing and feeling thoroughly festive. Grab your tickets, prepare for a few surprises, and enjoy this unmissable Christmas treat!
Dick Whittington plays until Sunday, the 5th of January 2025. Tickets are available on the Regent Theatre’s website, with both evening and matinee performances available – https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/dick-whittington/regent-theatre/
1 comment
Gabriella Cook
That MASSIVE rat was brilliant