Dick's a hit with infectious laughs
POPSTAR Robbie Williams remarked in jest that if the new album didn't sell it would be Strictly Come Dancing followed by panto.
Panto? Might he and his old mate Wilkes actually appear together on the stage of The Regent, possibly in a knockabout turn as the Ugly Sisters?
Alas, there's no such double act this year, for the album has sold, and the Williams family is instead represented by Robbie's dad (rumours that his dentist and a second cousin are inside a pantomime horse are entirely unfounded).
This is Jonathan Wilkes' fifth Regent panto in a row, and neither he nor his public are giving any indication that the novelty might be wearing off.
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And who can blame them?
Dick Whittington is a show that gets better and better as it goes along, a brilliantly orchestrated spectacle that combines silliness and charm with impressive sets and spirited performances.
Maybe the breezy parochialism is a bit laboured this time, with Old Stokey replacing London town, but the show looks good, it is superbly choreographed and ticks all the right boxes when it comes to audience response.
The American star Sheila Ferguson, formerly of The Three Degrees, is a vision in purple and sparkling silver as Fairy Oatcakes. She brings wit and style to the role, and her rendition of When Will I See You again is probably the musical highpoint of the show.
That's if you discount The Good Ship Lollipop, performed by Christian Patterson's Sarah the Cook, as a near spherical Shirley Temple with ringlets and sailor suit.
As the dame, Patterson steals the show with not only the most outrageously hilarious costumes, but the funniest gags too.
Pete Conway, father of Robbie, performs like the genial old trouper he is as Alderman Fitzwarren, and Amy Diamond looks sweet and wholesome as his daughter Alice.
As the boo-hiss figure of the King Rat, Steven Serlin is a cross between a Dickens villain and an East End mobster, and Abbey Hulton teenagers Aaron and Andrew Corden are amazing as his athletic henchmen.
Stoke's Top Talent winner Su Annagib is a glamorous and commanding Sultana, and Kayleigh McIntyre performs miracles as Tommy the Cat.
At the centre of it all is Jonathan Wilkes, whose slightly gormless, slightly lecherous Dick Whittington is a hit with native Potters, who once again seem perfectly happy to have the celebrity's best friend.
Comments
by David Simpson, Biddulph
Monday, December 21 2009, 12:28PM
“Fantastic spectacle for all the family. Working in Crewe and living in the potteries, I always find it nice to ridicule those from Cheshire (in a nice way) Came away feeling the family had been thoroughly entertained and look forward to next years panto. Great performances by all with some very funny ad libs. 10/10”
by Jade, Bignall End
Sunday, December 13 2009, 6:47PM
“I go to see the pantomime every year and it gets better and better. I Love having Johnathon Wilkes in he just makes it special. I just want to thank everyone for entertaining me again for another year. Brill Show would recommend it to anyone. :D xx”
by Kathryn, South Wales
Saturday, December 12 2009, 4:28PM
“As a non-local I agree that the local references were a bit laboured in this panto, but seemed readily appreciated by the local audience members. The line regarding famous children - re Pete Conway - was lost on me, as I had no idea who he was!! Let alone who his son was!!
The star of the show was, undoubtedly, West End star Steven Serlin as the evil King Rat. His fantastic rendition of 'I Want it All' (from WWRY) was a showstopper, and in my opinion the musical highlight of the show, that silenced even the most hardened 'boo-er' in the audience with it's power. His portrayal of the royal rodent was utterly convincing, complete with rat-like twitches & mannerisms.
Another notable character was the Dame, played by Christian Patterson. His portrayal of the outrageous Sarah the Cook, in increasingly colourful costumes is very funny and he makes a highlight of his musical number 'On The Good Ship Lollipop'.
My only criticism would be the O.T.T. amount of 'corpsing' and ad-libbing (Particularly between Patterson and Wilkes) - which while expected in panto - seemed a little excessive for an opening night show!!!!
Sheila Ferguson as a feisty fairy, Amy Diamond as the leading lady, and Tommy the cat all give very good performances too!
Jonathan Wilkes, obviously a local favourite, seemed a popular choice with the Stoke audience.
The hard working dancers also deserve a mention, as they seem to be kept thoroughly busy throughout the show!
Basically..... if you are in or near Stoke this Christmas - and a panto fan - get yourself a ticket!!!!!!!!!!!! :-)”
by John, Staffs
Saturday, December 12 2009, 4:06PM
“It's ridiculous how we keep having Johnny Wilkes year in year out. I might be tempted if we had a variation but my only conclusion is that it's cheaper to get wilkes in. No offence to wilkes, but come on, its becoming an annual event the wilkes pantomime.
BORING BORING BORING”
by LINDA GILLAN, KIdsgrove
Friday, December 11 2009, 12:41PM
“I would like to thank the cast and crew of Dick Whittington on providing such great entertainment, full of belly aching laughter and tears of giggles from start to finish. Loved the fact it was written to portray old Stokey!! great idea!! Jonny Wilkes, as always provided superb audience participation and he is a star in his own right, i think the reviewer is harsh when he claims potters are " happy with celebrities best mate" As Jonny is a local lad and completely gives 100% and has never forgotten his roots I personally hope he returns for another 5 years to entertain us. Well done again to everyone connected to the panto....Superb job!!”
by Joanne, Brindley Ford
Friday, December 11 2009, 12:22PM
“Another great opening panto night, that had me in a fit of giggles!!
Christian was amazing again!! Love him/her
Steven Serlin had an amazing voice!! and played a great rat!!
Su and the boys from Stoke's top talent did an amazing job.
I think Alan wrote a good review, it's just a shame he had to end with the comment of us being happy with the Celebrity's best friend!! Johnny is a STAR in his own right!! He is one of the main reasons that I love going to the panto!! And in the last 5 years he's been in it, I've been twice each time.
Only one fault with Johnny that I found, was those dodgy sailor trousers!! haha
Hope to see Johnny again in next years panto!!”