Peter Pan - Regent Theatre Panto Review

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They’re back me Ducks!! Jonathan Wilkes, Kai Owen and the Wilkes Academy have returned to the Regent Theatre once again to rapturous applause, to perform their annual Christmas pantomime for the people of Stoke On Trent. This time around they’ve chosen to put their unique spin on one of the best known fairy tales of all time, the swash buckling adventures of Peter Pan!

The first time I saw them in action was for their take on Dick Whittington and I didn’t think that could be beaten. They keep proving me wrong year after year though, and I left the theatre with a stomach that couldn’t take anymore of even the slightest bit of laughter. With all of the things we love kept in, along with buckets of new material that you’re guaranteed to fall in love with, it’s full of fun and frolics, and enough innuendo and adult humour that the kids should probably be putting their hands over their parents ears. They get away with murder, and it seems like it becomes more tongue in cheek every time we see them. But don’t worry, the jokes are always clever enough not to offend young innocent ears.

Johnny milked his introduction as we’d all expect with a grand entrance! His loveable personality is infectious as usual. Kai Owen was superb once again, and he added so much humour to the proceeding when on stage with Johnny. His timing was simply amazing and for me, his talent shone through in this particular show more than any other.

As I always say, it’s not Christmas until you’ve seen the Coca Cola Truck, Die Hard on the TV..... and Christian Patterson in a frock! Unfortunately this year’s Panto was missing it’s dame, and it was sad not to see him this year. It wasn’t quite the same, but Kai did a superb job filling a rather large set off boots! His enthusiasm on returning to the stage was so easy to see, and there was one scene in particular where he & Johnny performed a rendition of one of the greatest, good old British slap stick comedy sketches ever, made famous by Abbot & Costello. I laughed so hard that it hurt, and I know that you will too. You just don’t see scenes like that on TV anymore so it was massively appreciated! It was lovely to see that Beryl was still in the audience too!

Here in Stoke, we like what we know and we know what we like. So seeing Johnny & Co at the Panto each year is like putting on a comfy pair of old slippers for Christmas! You know exactly what you’re going to get and they never disappoint.

With innovative set design, astounding costume design, incredible choreography and stand out performances from the whole cast, the majority of which are learning their craft at the Wilkes Academy, the talent on stage is just incredible!

Featuring hits like George Ezra’s “Green 

Green Grass”, Ant & Dec’s “Let’s Get Ready To Rumble” a very different version of Lizzo’s “It’s about time” and loads more to sing along and dance to, it’s a festive feel good treat for all ages!

Quite simply it’s heart warming, hilariously funny and there’s no better way to create festive family memories! Book your tickets now, and don’t forget to bring your shadow! Cockadoodle Dooooooo! I’m already looking forward to next years Panto! Bring it on me Ducks!

Verdict: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Peter Pan is playing at the Regent Theatre NOW, up until and including Saturday 31st December! Tickets are on sale and are available by calling the Regent Theatre Box Office on 0844 871 7649. You can also visit www.atgtickets.com/stoke for tickets and info.