Cinderella is coming to town

The summer holidays are done and dusted, so this can only mean one thing – Panto season is on its way and its time to secure your tickets for Cinderella at the Regent Theatre, Hanley – Friday 12 December till Sunday 4 January 2026.

BabaBaboon was delighted to attend the press launch once again to discover just what to expect at this year’s annual festive feast, in an event that has become more ‘Stokie’ than oatcakes or potbanks.

Anticipation of the upcoming chaos of pantomime was infectious throughout the theatre as this years cast was announced.

Jonny Wilkes headlines once more as Buttons and the fifth time he has played the role at the Regent, said: “I’m so excited to be back at the Regent Theatre for another amazing Panto
season…Its always an honour to perform for the best audiences in the world!”

Article by Mel Osborne

(Images by The Regent. Credit Clare Lou Photography)

Boasting a West-End calibre cast, Rhiane Drummond will play the fairy Godmother and Kirsty Ingram as Cinderella.

Ben Oatley plays Prince Charming and the ever-popular honorary Stokie – Kai Owen – is back for his tenth year as Dandini.

Kai Owen and Johnny Wilkes. Credit Clara Lou Photography

Johnny and Kai playfull banter at the Panto launch, which took place on Tuesday 9 September at The Regent, got everyone in the mood for the onstage antics to come.

Crossroads Pantomimes, the worlds biggest pantomime producers promise this year’s panto will feature amazing special effects, stunning sets and beautiful costumes.

However, after last years 20th anniversary celebrations the bar was set high with the
explosive performance of ‘Dick Whittingham.’

Babababoon kicked off the questions asking how they planned to top last years show with Johnny answering: “Well, we have to. It’s as simple as that!”

Despite it being the fifth time it has been performed it will have a new storyline with a very exciting plot twist.

The Panto is often a child’s first experience of the theatre, but what memories do the cast have of Panto?

Stokie born and bred Johnny reminisced on his own treasured memories: “Mine was across at the old Theatre Royal, Hanley and watching John Inman, I remember being five years old and walking out thinking this is the greatest thing I’ve ever seen, and I remember wanting it to be me.”

Kirsty got the bug for acting and singing as a child player in Peter Pan, whilst Rhiane shared how her first Panto starred Christopher Biggins who she later performed with in Sleeping Beauty.

During the press launch guests were treated to a behind the scenes preview as the stage turned into a swirling snowstorm bringing unexpected magic.

If the panto is only half of what has been promised, then Stoke is in for a treat this Christmas.

Reflecting on the importance of Pantomime for community Johnny commented: “It’s such an important tradition, and it does keep theatres and communities alive, especially at Christmas time.

“It is a great, wonderful British tradition.”

The Regent theatre offers several accessible options including a touch tour and a
relaxed performance for those who benefit from a more accessible environment.