Dick Whittington Panto Launch 2024
Dick Whittington marks the 20th anniversary of Johnny Wilkes in Panto at The Regent, in Stoke-on- Trent.
With the set and costumes coming from the London Palladium and a super star cast it looks to be the best The Regent has seen.
This year Johnny will be playing Dick Whittingham, Kai Owen as King Rat and Christian Patterson returns as Sarah the Cook. Alongside them will be Samera Casteallo as Alice Fitzwarren and Gina Murray as Spirit of the bells.
Wilkes academy graduate Marlee Fergusson returns to the stage as Kitty Cat.
At the official panto press launch – which took place on Monday 9 September – on stage at the Regent theatre – the cast were in a jovial mood with banter flying amongst the cast and laughs shared – which was firmly setting the scene for this year’s festive fun.
Article by Mel Osborne – who attended the Panto launch at The Regent Theatre.
(Cast members also went on a tour around Hanley and Stoke-on-Trent during the Panto launch events. All images Clara Lou Photography.)
Image Clara Lou Photography
Christian Patterson, has been missing from the team for the past two years due to other commitments, spoke about how much he had missed Stoke, saying: “I just can’t wait to get back on stage and so the people of Stoke know what they mean to me – and the people in the theatre – they mean the world to me.”
Kai Owen showed support for his much loved colleague commenting: “He’s back everyone. The best in the business is back.”
Being a newcomer on an established team could be daunting, but Samera Casteallo, showed nothing but delight to be on board saying: “I hadn’t seen the Regent theatre before and I think it’s absolutely beautiful …I ‘m so excited to be working alongside these guys and I’m really, really excited!”
Baddley Green born Johnny Wilkes has been loyal to the Regent for 20 years. When asked why he returns to Stoke each year he answered: “It’s my home. It’s the greatest theatre in the country and this is the reason why I’ve got people like Christian and Kai every year and these people alongside me.
“It is amazing and I’m so proud of it. And you know what we are like in Stoke? We like to do ourselves down sometimes, but this theatre is so
special.”
Every year the Regent features a relaxed performance which is aimed at those with disabilities and carers. Speaking of the importance of inclusivity Christian said: “I absolutely love it. I love coming on and having a chat with the audience and making sure everything is okay … anything they need we can facilitate. And to be honest theatre should be that.”
Jonny agreed: “It’s got to be fully inclusive you know, and I’m very proud of our reputation of doing it at the Regent.”
Gina Murray concurred: “For us on stage too allow that to happen with no stigma, is really a very special phenomenon, and it’s always my favourite”.
Speaking of what to expect this year Johnny said: “We’re going to deliver you one hell of a Christmas show this year, and it’s going to be the best one
yet!”
Image Clara Lou Photography
