Hanley’s Regent Theatre unveils full panto cast

Aug 19 2009 by Will Harris, Crewe Chronicle

THE streets of Hanley will be paved with gold this Christmas after the Regent Theatre unveiled its full cast line-up for the traditional panto Dick Whittington.

Potteries hero Jonathan Wilkes returns for his fifth successive year, following an astonishing run of four record-breaking seasons.

He takes up the lead role of Dick, but will be joined by another star of musical theatre and the pop industry Sheila Ferguson.

Ferguson, who will be playing the part of Fairy Oatcakes, made her name as lead singer of The Three Degrees, with chart classics such as When Will I See You Again, Take Good Care of Yourself and A Woman in Love.

Meanwhile an extra dash of glamour will light up the stage with Lynx and Ann Summers model Amy Diamond taking up the role of Alice Fitzwarren.

And after his hilarious turn as last year’s evil henchman, Christian Patterson returns as the funniest dame in Panto-land, Sarah the Cook.

Theatre spokesman Dave Bradbury says: “The Regent Theatre’s pantomime has become a must-see Christmas tradition and Dick Whittington promises to provide all the ingredients for the perfect panto. There are sensational songs, dazzling dance routines, plenty of audience participation and side-splitting comedy. It’s a guaranteed recipe for festive fun.”

Dick Whittington runs from Thursday, December 10 until Sunday, January 10 2010.

For advance tickets, priced £14-£23, call the box office on 0844 871 7627.