Snow business

Dec 23 2008 by Will Harris, Crewe Chronicle

Potteries favourite Jonathan Wilkes is head and shoulders above some of his cast members at the Regent Theatre this Christmas. He talks to reporter Will Harris

Television presenter, singer and musical theatre star Jonathan Wilkes is back again to head up a stellar cast in Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs at the Hanley theatre during the festive season – his fourth Stoke panto on the bounce.

Each year has broken box- office records, proving that Wilkes is the grandmaster at pulling in the panto crowds.

He says: “I suppose I’m different to most performers in panto. They all do the same show suited to the one role every year, and take it to a new venue, whereas I stay in Stoke and do a different one each time.

“But this is one of the best ever. The ticket sales have been fantastic and we’re on course to break the record again.”

Much of the show’s success could be attributed to the fact that a full crew of acting dwarfs has been assembled, led in direction by the silver screen’s most famous dwarf, Warwick Davis.

Wilkes says: “They are all very professional and it’s great to have them and it adds to the story. I think the kids, when they come on, are spellbound. Snow White is one of the best stories ever told.”

An impressive cast has been put together, including the ever popular Claire Sweeney as the Wicked Queen, while last year’s Ugly Sister Christian Patterson is back on comic form as her henchman.

There is also a place for Stoke’s Top Talent winner Daniel Hewitt as a young prince in search of his long-lost brother.

“We’ve had a great laugh producing it,” says Wilkes. “Me and Claire have worked together on Guys and Dolls before, and we’ve got a lovely cast including Daniel who’s got a fantastic voice.

“It’s really going well, and rehearsals were great. I really enjoy that time because it’s where you develop your gags.

“People don’t think it, but panto is an art and there’s a way of doing it. But it’s instilled in me and I absolutely love it.

“And I love being an absolute fool on stage, as long as the kids walk away happy.

“You get used to the hectic schedule because the crowds are very good and to come to the theatre these days in the current climate is not cheap.

“I want them to get value for money.”

And with all the culture references and mickey-taking of both sides of the county border, Wilkes says Snow White is not just restricted to people living in Stoke-on-Trent.

“So come on up the A500 from South Cheshire and we’ll get a few oatcakes ready for you,” he jokes.

Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs runs at the Regent Theatre until Sunday, January 11. Tickets are priced £13-£22, visit www.theambassadors.com/regent or phone the box office on phone 0870 060 6649.