Dick Whittington (Regent Theatre, Hanley, until January 10)

Dec 16 2009 by Will Harris, Crewe Chronicle

CHESHIRE panto lovers are promised a feast of festive fun in the Regent Theatre panto Dick Whittington, which got underway last week.

The streets of Stoke-on-Trent will be paved with gold this Christmas as Jonathan Wilkes returns for his fifth successive Potteries panto appearance.

He will be hoping to top an astonishing run of record-breaking years, having stolen the show in Mother Goose, Aladdin, Cinderella and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and will once again take on the title role in the production.

Joining Wilkes is singing sensation, Sheila Ferguson who will be playing the part of Fairy Oatcakes.

Showtimes vary and tickets are priced £14-£23, phone the box office on 0844 871 7649 to book.

Ken Dodd (Victoria Hall, Hanley, December 19)

BOUNDLESS energy leaps on to the stage as Ken Dodd presents his famous Happiness show.

‘Doddy’ fans have another chance to see the amazing comic talent following last year’s Potteries triumph and his recent annual appearance at Crewe’s Lyceum Theatre.

His comedy never stoops to being crude and every show is swear word-free, making Knotty Ash’s finest a true comedy great.

He has been in the business for more than 50 years, and his shows have been known to go on until the small hours of the morning.

The show starts at 7.30pm and tickets cost £17.50, phone the box office on 0844 871 7649.

Cinderella (Gatehouse Theatre, Stafford, until January 10)

STAFFORD’S Gatehouse Theatre is ready to party as its rock ‘n’ roll take on Cinderella hits the stage.

Producers are promising non-stop laughter, masses of audience participation and lashings of slapstick comedy and mayhem.

Dance and sing-along favourites this year include Here Come the Girls, You Can’t Stop the Beat, Hot Stuff, Don’t Stop Me Now and Rescue Me.

Theatre spokeswoman Justine Watkins said: “Expect to be dazzled by the stunning sets, lavish costumes, spectacular dance routines and talented band performing classic hits in the enchanting fairytale which promises festive fun for all the family!”

The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe (New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, until January 23)

AUDIENCES are being transported to the magical world of Narnia at the New Vic Theatre.

C S Lewis’s classic story is being faithfully retold in a new dramatisation by New Vic artistic director, Theresa Heskins, which will enchant children and whisk parents and grandparents back to their childhoods.

Written specially for the theatre’s unique in the round space, the adaptation has been personally given the thumbs up by the writer’s estate.

Shows start at 7.30pm and tickets are £9.50-£17.50, to book phone the box office on 01782 717962.