It’s panto season once again at The Regent Theatre and local favourite Johnny Wilkes returns for his 21st season, as this year’s show Cinderella spreads a sprinkle of festive cheer in Stoke-on-Trent.
As joint director of the show with Kai Owen, who this year celebrates his tenth year at The Regent panto, Wilkes delivers a show that is warm, funny and has genuine multi-generational appeal.
Back in the blue suit as Buttons, Wilkes leads the cast through the retelling of the famous fairytale that packs in references to popular culture, much to the delight of the younger members of the audience whose lives are entrenched in viral , social media memes and songs that are a golden ticket to engagement.
With no Cristian Patterson this year, his role as dame has been replaced by the ugly sisters – Hernia Hardup and Verruca Hardup played by Amanda Coutts and Rebecca McKinnis respectively. With their dialogue drenched in social media references, driven by overt gold-digging, the duo were a huge hit with kids in the audience.
Following the classic story of the prince who seeks a wife, the story sees the sisters determined to make Cinderella’s life as miserable as possible, while Buttons pines for her and Prince Charming, along with his royal aide Dandini, searches for a love match.
This forms the base for Stoke-on-Trent’s well-loved panto traditions to return, the jokes to keep flowing, and hit songs to be given a special once over.
Kirsty Ingram as Cinderella is perfectly cast, playing along with the jokes, while exuding warmth, while Ben Oatley as Prince Charming plays the role well – with the prince taking a larger role than usual and leading some of the stand-out numbers.
Johnny Wilkes is great as Buttons, his long-standing connection with the audience and understanding of the local humour being a highlight of the show – he also has a great voice and does a fantastic job as the lynchpin of the production. Kai Owen as Dandini is excellent as ever, he has great stage presence and is clearly a crowd favourite thanks to the enthusiasm he brings to the role.
Rhiane Drummond played an excellent role as Fairy Godmother, showcasing her fantastic singing voice and looking magical in her costume – again a bit hit with the younger members of the audience.
While all the cast are excellent, the success of the panto is the sum of all parts and there appears to be a genuine warmth and enthusiasm across the entire production. The ensemble play an important role in creating a festive spectacle in carefully choreographed routines that fill the stage and lift the show, while the costumes, as always, were a cut above, to deliver colour-matched routines that provide a visual treat.
A less ribald script than usual, but still packed with laugh out loud moments, Cinderella at The Regent Theatre is an entertainment-packed evening, full of humour, festive traditions and fun. A great outing for all the family, Cinderella is at The Regent theatre from now until Sunday, January 4 – book online now.
CNM
