This Christmas Jonathan Wilkes and Christian Patterson take to the stage for a magical 3D tale of Robin Hood at the Regent Theatre in Hanley.
The Otis and Us tribe had been invited along for the opening night of the 2018 pantomime at the Regent Theatre and we were super excited to attend our first pantomime as a family of five. The Regent Theatre in Hanley is an absolutely beautiful theatre, and looking around as we took our seats, I couldn’t help but notice it was packed full to the brim with adults and children – young and old, who had all turned out to watch Robin Hood.
#Ad review/press trip
Robin Hood, Regent Theatre
This year Jonathon Wilkes celebrates his 13th pantomime, and his partner in crime, Christian Patterson celebrates his 10th year performing at the Regent Theatre. Their friendship was evident and together they make a fabulous duo … bringing smiles, laughter, excitement and hilarious tales to the Regent.
The show started with the arrival of the villan The Sherriff of Stokingham played by Kai Owen. The loud boooooooooos filled the theatre before the stage was set alight with the arrival of Friar Tuck, played by the wonderful Christian Patterson – who arrived on stage in unique style.
The Spirit of Sherwood (the panto fairy-spirit guide) played by Rebecca Lisewski provided a great narration while demonstrating the most incredible vocals – what a beautiful voice!
Next arrived Jonathan Wilkes as Robin Hood. With his green velour leggings, his cheeky smile and his hilariously funny jokes, I was honestly crying with laughter. Born and raised in Stoke on Trent, Jonathan played an exceptional part as the lead role. Ey up Robin!
Robin Hood wouldn’t be Robin Hood without his team of merry men and Little John (played by Peter Bonner) and the absolutely hilarious Will Scarlet (played by Delme Thomas) brought much laughter to the stage. It was clearly evident that the cast were enjoying the show just as much as the audience.
A final mention goes to the beautiful and talented Finley Guy who played the role of Maid Marion. She is no stranger to Stoke on Trent having recently graduated from The Wilkes Academy of Performing Arts and also having previously played the role of Cinderella at the Regent Theatre.
Armed with 3D glasses, the second half took us on a 3D adventure through the forgotten forest that filled the theatre with shrieks and screams. Our eldest loved it, but the adventure bought a little fear to our younger children, who kept their eyes closed for the majority of the 3D sequence. Nonetheless, I found the 3D adventure exceptional.
My favourite part? Well that had to be the 12 Days of Christmas. I won’t spoil it for you, but the flying toilet rolls and hidden fairy on the top of the tree – absolutely hilarious, I haven’t laughed that much in ages.
If you are heading to the family friendly 2018 Pantomime at the Regent Theatre, you will not be disappointed. The talented cast, choreography and special effects are simply spectacular. Robin Hood is a wonderful interactive family show that will leave you warm, fuzzy and smiling from ear to ear.
Robin Hood is at the Regent Theatre, Hanley, S-O-T until Sunday January 6th 2019
For more information pop over to ATG tickets online
Photo credit Richard Johnson
If you have found this website useful, you can show your support by buying us a coffee! We promise to enjoy it whilst creating more useful content. Thanks so much for your support, Katy
Disclosure: We were provided with a family ticket for the purpose of this review however all thoughts, opinions and genuine smiles are our own.