A BID Trip to Pantoland: Our Journey with Dick Whittington

A BID Trip to Pantoland: Our Journey with Dick Whittington.
Written by Sarah Thomas-Gordon - BID Marketing Manager
[The BID team were gifted tickets to this performance by ATG. All views are our own.]



It’s opening night of Dick Whittington at The Regent Theatre and the atmosphere is electric. The theatre itself draped in gold and sparkle, families adorned in festive knits and the glimpse of light wands and smiles on every face; we’re in Pantoland and it’s fabulous to be back.

We were delighted to be invited by the team at The Regent Theatre to the opening night of Dick Whittington, joining Stokie ‘panto king’ Jonathan Wilkes, celebrating 20 years of panto in Stoke-on-Trent. From the lovable Buttons to the mischievous Smee and the courageous Robin Hood, Jonathan Wilkes has played them all:

“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.”

And what an experience it was. Let’s delve into our spoiler-free thoughts of the show, shall we?

We can’t mention Wilkes without the other amazing performers sharing the stage. Christian Patterson provides laugh-a-minute comedy as the classic panto dame, with Kai Owen delivering devious delight as King Rat. Joining them is the charismatic Gina Murray as The Spirit, the talented Samara Castello as Alice and Marlee Jay as Tommy the Cat. Marlee absolutely captivated with his dance ability so unsurprising that he’s appeared in Dreamgirls, Britain’s Got Talent and the company of Disney’s Lion King.

Threaded together along with a marvelous ensemble of trained Wilkes Academy dancers, bright and dazzling staging and costumes gives Dick Whittington the perfect pantomime atmosphere, the kind that makes your face hurt from smiling. Classic panto story aside (you’ll have to find that out for yourself), Dick Whittington is easily the funniest pantomime we’ve experienced at The Regent Theatre and the packed-out opening night audience would agree. Often chaotic, always charming; a total triumph and must see this Christmastime.

Dick Whittington, The Pantomime Paved With Gold at The Regent Theatre until Sunday 5 January 2025.
Secure your seat from just £16.95: Dick Whittington Tickets | Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent in Stoke-on-Trent | ATG Tickets