IF YOU want a good chuckle this Christmas be sure to get yourself to the Regent Theatre for their allsinging, all-dancing, and all-laughing panto.
Stoke's own Johnny Wilkes is back this year as the star of the Hanley venue's annual pantomime.
With his regular but loveable catch-line of ‘Hey Up Me Ducks’ Johnny is joined by the stunning Rebecca Lisewski who plays the leading lady of Cinderella for the glittering show.
On arrival on the opening night, the magic of the Regent's panto began just outside the entrance with Cinderella sat in her carriage with two beautiful horses at the helm.
Plus carol singers were providing lovely festive vibes in the foyer of the theatre.
From curtain-up the show was full of magnificent vocals, superb choreography, and glittering costumes, along with the traditional pantomime banter and comedy.
Okay, some of the gags and clichés are what Regent Theatre’s audiences may have seen many a time before - but they still bring laughter even if you have heard them before.
There are two ‘baddies’ of the Regent panto this year in the form of Cinders’ two ugly sisters.
However with the bumbling antics of Christian Patterson and Kai Owen, who play the siblings, it’s hard to boo them like you would any other panto villain as they are so hilariously funny.
Prince Charming is gracefully played by Jonathan Bremmer, and although he did appear to struggle with his vocals on the opening night, possibly due to illness, the duets he sang with Cinderella were still wonderful to listen to as Rebecca's amazing vocals compensated for Jonathan’s struggle.
The whole show had me chuckling time and time again and I certainly left the Regent Theatre with a feel-good factor and ready for the festive season.
Review by BELINDA HARGREAVES
Cinderella is showing at the Regent Theatre until Saturday, January 5. F or further details and to book tickets go online to www.atgtickets.com/venues/regen t-theatre or call the box office on 0844 871 7649.
