"We love Stoke on Trent"
- David Bithell
- 6 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Cinderella
Directed by Jonathan Wilkes & Kai Owen
Written by Alan McHugh
Review by David Bithell
Photo Credits by Clara Lou Photography
Panto Land is well under way at The Regent Theatre in Hanley and this year is a very special year for one of the leading cast members.
Kai Owen is performing in his 10th panto in Stoke this year and afterwards he jokingly said "here's to another 10" but was he joking?
The usual chemistry with Jonny Wilkes was there to see again and supported by a wonderful cast and ensemble, the Stoke crowd are in for another festive treat this year.
The story follows Cinderella (played beautifully by Kirsty Ingram) who is looking for love, the one she yearns for and for a happy ever after. Stopped continuously in her tracks by the sisters Hernia and Verruca Hardup (Amanda Coutts and Rebecca McKinnis). What she doesn't know her trusted friend Buttons (Jonathan Wilkes) is madly in love with her.
Local Stokie Prince Charming (Ben Oatley) is also looking for love but feels his regal title of Prince is putting the women of Stokie town off. He hatches a plan to swap roles with confidant Dandini (Kai Owen) so that he can attract the woman of his dreams.
Along comes the fairy godmother played wonderfully by Rhiane Drummond. who cast's a spell on Cinderella to make sure she does go to the ball that the Prince is throwing at the Palace. Does she make it? Well you will find out.
Jonny and Kai have worked wonders on the script again bringing various Stokie themes into the play as always, will little 'tongue in cheek' pops at various towns in the city. Of course the 12 day's of Christmas make an appearance, and also be prepared to get a little sprinkle of water at one stage of the play.
The crowd pullers have certainly done it again with this panto and its there for all to see why Jonny and Kai are the best in the business at panto and why the people of Stoke on Trent and surrounding areas keep coming back for more.
All thats left for us to say, Will Cinderella find true love and happy ever after. Will the Prince finally get his girl here n Stokie town or will the cruel sisters stop Cinderella and the Prince in their tracks. Either way you are in for a real treat.
If there's one thing that needs to be ticked off that list this Christmas, its make your way along to The Regent Theatre and be prepared to be spell bound by the Fairy Godmother's powers and wish you all a magical Christmas.
Congratulations Kai Owen on your 10th panto here in our beloved city, we have certainly made you one of our own and thank you for embracing the people of Stoke in return. I for one hope there is another 10 years at least.
You can catch Cinderella at The Regent Theatre in Hanley until Sunday 4th January 2026.