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

Dec 30 2009 by Will Harris, Crewe Chronicle

CHESHIRE panto lovers have been enjoying a feast of festive fun in the Regent Theatre panto Dick Whittington.

The streets of Stoke-on-Trent are being paved with gold 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.

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

The New Vic’s Christmas spectacular is already on its way to being a roaring success.

Opening to a capacity audience, the show has seen a record number of bookings, with more children than ever visiting the theatre.

Director Theresa Heskins said: “CS Lewis’ magical story is an all-time children’s classic! It is adored by children and has the ability to whisk mums, dads and grandparents back to their childhoods.

“Theatregoers and families across South Cheshire are in for a real treat!”

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

Bink and the Hairy Fairy (The Lowry, Salford Quays, until January 3)

AN ALTERNATIVE family treat at Christmas has arrived, courtesy of the creators of The Witch’s Bogey.

When a wicked sorcerer tries to take over the Elfin Kingdom, Bink must think of a way to stop him.

But thinking isn’t exactly Bink’s strong point. If only he was a little bit smarter and if only there was a fairy around to help.

A Lowry spokesman said: “With lots of opportunities to hiss and boo and sing along, this fabulous family musical is the perfect fun-filled treat for children this Christmas!”

Showtimes vary and tickets are £8.50, to book phone the box office on 0843 208 6000.

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!”

Tickets are £12.95-£16.95 and showtimes vary. To book phone 01785 254653.