Review: Cinderella Panto at The Regent Theatre*

Cinderella Panto at The Regent Theatre

After what feels like two very long years, it was wonderful to head to The Regent Theatre in Stoke-on-Trent to watch Cinderella and we have truly missed it. Oh Yes We Have!

Our favourite panto stars Jonathan Wilkes (17 years in panto) along with Christian Patterson and Kai Owen magically turned the theatre into one filled with roaring laughter and excitement.

You would think, after all these years that we would be tired of watching them but it is quite the opposite. Watching them perform has reminded us of how much we love and miss them especially after last year’s show was cancelled due to COVID.   It finally felt like Christmas is back again this year and with a bang.

So if you want to get dressed up and head to the ball this Christmas for some fairy-tale magic and hilarious comedy mixed with hidden risqué jokes then Cinderella is a must-watch.

The stars of the show have to be Baddeley Green’s very own Jonathan Wilkes who plays Buttons and Christian Patterson, who plays Baroness Heifer Hardup.  The chemistry between the both of them is unparallel and the audience can expect nothing less than non-stop laughs, stunning backdrops,  over the top costumes and effects.  Having watched Cinderella in 2016 I wondered if this year’s panto would be the same but it was not…. it was even better.

Kai Owen who plays Dandini has become a must loved character and one which we look forward to seeing every year.

Cinderella’s two ‘ugly’ step-sisters who are up to no good are played by talented Vivien Parry (Stacey) and Annie Wensak (Nessa).  Their lavish costumes are stunning and help them make a grand entrance that is met by boos from the crowds.

A stunning singing voice from Olympia Curry who plays the magical fairy Godmother brings a bit of glam to the show.

It was wonderful to see Naomi Slights who plays Cinderella back on stage again as the Belle of the Ball.  She plays the character with such conviction and has such a melodic voice as well.

The endearing Prince Charming is played by none other than Ryan Jupp who is smashing, dashing and has a mesmerising voice.

A special mention goes out to the amazing ensemble made up of Wilkes Academy graduates Jamie Bell, Charlie Goddard, Aaron Brian, Ella Goodwin, Poppy Stribley, Megan Toft, Tamika Williamson and Stephen Woods who are such talented dancers with credit to choreographer James Bennett.

Directed by Christian Patterson and produced by Crossroads Pantomimes, the show combines everything you need to bring back the Christmas magic.  The requirement to wear masks throughout the performance did not stop us and the rest of the audience from singing, chanting ‘Ayup Buttons’, dancing and having the time of our life.  Audiences also took in stride the football jokes of rival teams Stoke City and Port Vale and sang to both The Wonder of You and Delilah.  I personally lost my voice after the night with all the cheering and singing, but it was so worth it!

I also loved the Twelve Days of Christmas (which was slightly different this year due to COVID) to singing songs such as Footloose, We Will Rock You, Ghostbusters and That’s What Friends Are For (which left many of us emotional).  The show ended with a standing ovation and everyone was left buzzing at the end of it.

How much do the tickets cost to Cinderella Panto?

Tickets are priced from £13 to £46.50.

How do I book tickets to watch Cinderella Panto?

Tickets are now on sale and available from the Box Office, by calling 0844 871 7649 or by visiting ATG’s website here.

How long is the show for and what are the timings?

The show will run until Sunday, 2 January 2022. Evening shows will be at 7pm while there will be some morning shows at 11am and matinee shows at 2pm. Please check ATG’s website for full details on timings. Tickets get sold out pretty quickly, so hurry and book especially if you are doing a family booking and want everyone to sit together.

Where is The Regent Theatre in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent?

Piccadilly
Stoke-on-Trent
ST1 1AP
Tel: 08448717649

About Regent Theatre

The Regent Theatre is a theatre in Stoke-on-Trent, England. Constructed in 1929 as a cinema, it is one of several theatres in the city centre and one of two owned by the Ambassador Theatre Group. The building was converted for full-time use as a theatre in 1999, and since then has hosted a number of shows and musicals. The theatre is also the northern base for the Glyndebourne Touring Opera.

• To ensure the continued safety of their visitors and staff, currently, all attendees over the age of 18 will be required to provide proof of their COVID-19 status to gain entry to The Regent Theatre.
• Masks need to be worn even during the performances
• Parking is ample either around the public car parks close to The Regent, but do check the rules. Some parking lots might need you to pay even at night. We parked up at intu Potteries and that cost us £1 (its fixed rate after 6pm).
• Programme Booklets are usually on sale for £5, full details of the show and cast members are featured on it.
• The Regent is a beautiful theatre with ornate decor and traditional seating. It has plenty of performances out throughout the year and lots of variety.
• On arrival at the theatre there are nine steps leading from the front doors to the foyer. There is a small lift suitable for wheelchairs and buggies
• There is lift access to all levels from the foyer (with an audible announcer)
• There is an infra-red sound enhancement system in the auditorium
• Guide, hearing and other working dogs are welcome in all parts of the theatre, and water is provided for them on request
• Accessible toilets are available

You may also want to read this:

Review: Robin Hood at Regent Theatre in Stoke-on-Trent

Review: Sleeping Beauty Panto at The Regent Theatre in Stoke-on-Trent

It’s panto season and we have seen Aladdin – Oh yes we have! 

Photo Credit: Regent Theatre/Clara Lou Photography