Opening night at this year’s Regent Theatre Panto was a rip-roaring success and a complete laugh-fest!
This years pantomime was Sleeping Beauty, but there was nothing sleepy about the beauty of the performance. A panto is a traditional British Christmas family event, and judging by last nights packed theatre many were along to get their Christmas off to a flying start!
Once again the show was expertly put together by Jonathan (Jonny) Wilkes and Christian Patterson, a long-established panto pairing in these parts! Following last years brilliant Robin Hood, the team are back to deliver their hilarious interpretation of Sleeping Beauty.
Jonny and Christian seem to crank it up each year and this year it felt like we hit 11! Jonny’s love for his Stokie roots shines through in his engagement with the audience, who travel from around the area to see the show. This year Jonny plays Muddles and if you’ve been to one of their pantos in the past you’ll be ready to shout back “Aye up Muddles” on cue!
Larger than life Christian brings back the comedy of the pantomime dame, this year as Fanny the Nanny, with the innuendo monitor going through the roof.
Our spirit guide (The Spirit of Stoke) Chi-Chi played fabulously camply and brilliantly by local actor Delme Thomas, who returns after playing Will Scarlet last year. Chi-Chi hams up the performance as he guides us through the story, with a sprinkling of the campest fairy godmother we’ve ever seen!
Naomi Slights plays the lead female role of Sleeping Beauty, a role that she completely commands and has the audience spellbound by.
Back once again is Kai Owen, another regular feature of the Wilkes/Patterson panto-factory, this time as the bumbling and eccentric King Cyril – a role in complete contrast to his usual baddie roles.
What would a panto be without a villain? This year we hissed and boo’d at the evil Carabosse, played by Vivien Parry and she played the role brilliantly! Evil and funny with amazing costumes, what more could you want from a pantomime villain?
From curtain up to curtain close the show is fast-paced, upbeat and filled with hand-clapping sing-along songs! There’s not a single dull moment and this year’s dilemma about who should prepare the festive pheasant was a particular highlight, as was the lip-syncing battle!
Once again, the Wilkes Academy of Performing Arts provided the ensemble cast who gave a fantastic performance on opening night.
A special mention must go to the costume team who created some of the most sparkly outfits we’ve seen, as well as the hilarious dame outfits!
Sleeping Beauty is at the Regent Theatre until Sunday 5th January 2020 and it’s a must-see from us this Christmas time! You can book tickets on the theatre’s website -> HERE <- or by calling the box office on 0844 871 7649
1 comment
mo
it was so good