This Christmas, the Regent Theatre in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, will be transformed into a royal ball as the family favourite pantomime Cinderella takes to the stage from today (12 December) until Sunday, 4 January.
Panto favourite Jonathan Wilkes is returning for this 21st year, taking up the role of Buttons.
Here, he tells Daily Focus what audiences can expect and what brings him back to The Regent every year.
“Cinderella is set to be an incredibly magical production and will transport audiences into a winter wonderland. Expect dancing pumpkins, beautiful costumes, extraordinary singing plus a breath-taking end to Act One.
Kai Owen has returned for his 10th pantomime at the Regent Theatre as the lovable Dandini and we will be joined by West End royalty Rhiane Drummond as The Fairy Godmother, Kirsty Ingram as Cinderella, and Ben Oatleyas Prince Charming.
Kai and I will be creating chaos as usual with new sketches that audiences haven’t seen before, as well as some classic slapstick audience favourites.
Stoke-on-Trent audiences are the best audiences in the world. And the audience is as much a part of the production as we are. Every time I walk out onto the stage it feels like a huge warm hug. The love we receive as a cast is like no other and it is my absolute privilege to provide some magic each Christmas to the people of my home city.
The Regent Theatre is a special place – it’s my second home. We’re just one big family. From the tech team to the front of house staff, to the marketing department and the theatre management – everyone works so hard to bring the best experience possible to the people of this city. I love it so much and I’m so grateful to have been welcomed back for over 20 years.”
- Tickets to Cinderella at the Regent Theatre can be booked here.
