Witches of Eastwick leads new season at Regent Theatre

Jun 26 2008 by Michael Green, Chester Chronicle

SOMETHING magical is on its way this autumn at the Regent Theatre in Stoke-on-Trent.

The Witches of Eastwick is part of the spellbinding autumn line up at the venue. This wonderfully wicked bewitching musical, starring Wet Wet Wet’s Marti Pellow as the devilish Daryl Van Horne, is based on the Jack Nicholson film and can be seen from October 7-11.

The borders between make believe and reality begin to blur and the flesh begins to creep in Stephen Mallatratt’s critically acclaimed adaptation of Susan Hill’s The Woman in Black (October 13-18).

The theatrical event of the year has to be Evita (October 27– November 8) starring West End star Louise Dearman (last seen at The Regent playing Cinderella last Christmas) in the title role.

Glyndebourne on Tour arrives from November 11-15 with three exceptional productions, The Magic Flute, Carmen and Hänsel und Gretel.

In September Jonathan Wilkes will compere the live talent search Stoke’s Got Talent (September 2-5). The winner will secure a cash prize, the chance to appear on the Paul O’Grady Show and be offered the opportunity to appear in this year’s pantomime Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs starring Wilkes.

There are more major musicals to enjoy including the world premiere production of Flashdance (November 24-29). David Essex returns in a new musical All The Fun Of The Fair (September 30– October 4). Set against the backdrop of a travelling funfair, this rollercoaster ride of a musical is inspired by David’s debut album.

Clattering and banging its way to The Regent is the mighty Stomp (December 2-6) where performers use bin lids, brooms and even kitchen sinks to hammer out explosive feel good rhythm.

Other highlights include The Rat Pack (October 21-25), a celebration of Frank, Sammy and Dean, Can’t Smile Without You (November 17-22) featuring the music of Barry Manilow, fan favourite The Blues Brothers Party (September 15-20) and Daydream Believer (September 22-27), the Monkees musical.

Then it’s off to Stoke we go for The Regent’s spectacular family pantomime, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (December 11–January 11).

This year Jonathan Wilkes is joined by star of screen and stage, Claire Sweeney.

The Victoria Hall has a fantastic autumn line-up on offer too with music from Aussie superstar Jason Donovan, New Zealander Hayley Westenra, The Christians and Australian rockers Airbourne and there are big comedy shows from Steve Coogan, Jimmy Carr, Frankie Boyle, Paddy McGuiness, Joe Pasquale and Dylan Moran.

Ring the box office on 0870 060 6649 for more details.