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

It is that time of the year again! Oh yes it is!  This time we travel to Regent Theatre in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent to watch our favourite panto stars Jonathan Wilkes and Christian Patterson bring the story of Robin Hood to our doors.  We, just like many others at the opening show have been heading to Regent Theatre for many years and you would think that after a while that their panto would start getting a little dull and predictable.  Well, predictable was not the word of the night!  Oh no it wasn’t!   Directed by Christian Patterson himself and produced by Qdos Entertainment, audiences were taken on a roller coaster journey of laughter,  3D special effects and by the end of the night, we had all turned into merry men and women of Stokingham!

It is Jonny Wilkes’s 13th year performing at the Regent Theater and he started the show in style ala wrecking ball as he made a grand entrance (which got the crowds in hysterics) with his favourite phrase this time “Ay up, Robin”

Here is Christian who plays Friar Tuck, and this is his 10th year performing at the Regent Theatre and he was really hilarious.

The fantastic and talented cast who kept us in stitches all night long. Petter Bonner who plays Little John (on the far right) was just super cute.

Our favourite star of the night, Delme Thomas who was totally Amaze-balls and performed his character Will Scarlet so well! Let’s just say he brought a lot of fabulosity into his character!

Finley Guy plays the beautiful Maid Marion, her singing voice is truly captivating

Rebecca Lisewski plays the Spirit of Sherwood and made her entrance onto the stage seem seamless every time she appeared. She also has an amazing singing voice!

Fantastic visual effects with even better 3D effects, this had my son scared to his wits but my daughter loved every minute of the 3D effect, when we were taken through the Forbidden Forest. Brace yourself for lots of great slapstick comedy as the panto is filled with lots of nuance with double meaning (for kids and adults), as well as banter and audience participation.  There was a lot of reference to Stoke-on-Trent which the audiences could easily relate to.  The beautiful costumes and amazing backdrop turned the set into something so magical.  The clever use of lighting only meant that each set change was done seamlessly.  Quality performance and an outstanding cast, totally worth every penny you spend on the tickets.

The ensemble consisting of Aaron Bryan, Spencer Darlaston-Jones, Keir Hylands, Emmy-Jo Munro, Georgia Phelps, Grace Proctor, Adam Robertson and Poppy Stribley were equally professional and the dance moves were choreographed beautifully by Jonny’s wife (Nikki Wheeler).

Kai Owen returns again to wow us, this time as The Sheriff of Stokingham. He is so loved that each time he enters the stage the crowds boos him to show their affection. Many of you would remember him as Abanazar from last year’s panto Aladdin.

What can we say? Heading to the panto, has become a tradition in most families and synonymous to Christmas. It is most probably any child’s first theatrical experience and one which will stay with them as they grow old.  Heading to Regent Theatre to watch Robin Hood, the arrow-shooting hero and his merry men was just magical, especially when we watched our children’s facial expression during the show….it was just priceless!  The backdrop, costumes, orchestra, and determination of the cast to make every year special and different is simply amazing.  I loved how they celebrate Stoke-on-Trent and its people and are not afraid to push the boundaries to ensure audience participation.  We all left the theatre buzzing and as we drove back, my kids’ were singing ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ as Jonny had taught them. Book your tickets if you still have not, its a panto which you won’t want to miss as it will be the talk of the town.

How do I book tickets to watch Robin Hood?

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 opened yesterday and will run until Sunday, 6 January 2019. Evening shows are at 7pm while matinee shows will be at 1pm or 2pm.  There will be some morning 11am shows as well as signed / audio performance. 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.

How much do the tickets cost?

Tickets are priced from £13.90 to £33.90

You may also want to read this:

Review: The Wind In The Willows at the New Vic Theatre

Review of Dick Whittington the Rock ‘n’ roll panto at Stafford Gatehouse Theatre

The Snowman is coming to Victoria Hall in Stoke-on-Trent

* Thank you to The Regent Theatre for the production photos. We were also given theatre tickets in return for the review