First night review: Snow White dwarfs those other pantos (PICTURES)

ON HE STRIDES like he owns the stage (and he does) – Sentinel in hand and the word duck and references to the Six Towns liberally sprinkled through his lines.

No sir, this ain’t no Jonny-come-lately. This ain’t no fading U.S. film star.

It’s our very own Jonny Wilkes. It must be Christmas. This is what gets bums on seats at The Regent. And long may it continue.

There will always be a vocal minority who will call for change – who want someone else topping the bill in Hanley.

But the idea of swapping Wilkesy at the moment for The Krankies or someone from Emmerdale is as ludicrous as asking Man United to drop Ronaldo just because you want to see another face in the number seven shirt.

And anyway, I would suggest the acquisition of the lovely Claire Sweeney (AKA the wicked queen) is a bit of a coup for us and I hope this year’s crowds take to her like they did Shobna Gulati last year.

Yes, the Regent panto does what it says on the tin – and a whole lot more besides.

In JW we boast a leading man charming audiences with his usual brand of knock-about humour.

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In Daniel Hewitt we have the exceptional winner of the hugely-successful stage experiment that was Stoke’s Top Talent.

There’s also the usual mix of skilled and adorable youngsters.

And, without spoiling the show, there are a few other familiar local faces popping in.

I defy any theatre to claim a panto blend which makes audiences so partisan and welcoming. It must be a bit like kicking off knowing you’re already three-nil up.

This is the best panto I’ve seen. End of.

They’ve sweated blood and doubtless a few tears over this one.

A familiar face in the magic mirror, topical references to Take That’s favourite son, risque jokes, and songs nicked from a host of beloved musicals that will have you clapping and stomping your feet.

Highlights are the dwarfs, obviously – with a special mention for Binde Johal, alias Cheeky, who had me in stitches.

Christian Patterson, hero of last year’s production and a well-loved part of the furniture here in Potteries panto land, has changed from ugly sister to Herman the Henchman.

And this time he’s even funnier.

Sweeney is perfectly cast and soaks up the hissing and booing like a good villain should. And my, what legs you have, my dear...

Local boy Dan Hewitt nails his part as the prince searching for his brother.

We knew he could sing. Last night he proved he can prowl the stage too, without missing a line.

Chloe-Jean Bishop held the line superbly as Snow White – no mean feat given the edge the rest of the cast have over her.

And last, but by no means least, there’s our Jonny.

Enough said. I can’t praise this show enough. I smell another record-breaking season. Ho ho ho!

Martin Tideswell