Aladdin prepares to open at Hanley’s Regent Theatre

Dec 7 2011 by Will Harris, Crewe Chronicle

A magical time is in store for panto lovers as Aladdin flies into Hanley’s Regent Theatre.

TV star Joe Swash is the new leading man in the Potteries panto with Jonathan Wilkes returning in January with his own adult panto spoof show.

Swash, 29, shot to fame in 2003 playing the part of Mickey Miller in EastEnders, and in 2008 he was crowned King of the Jungle when he won ITV’s I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!.

Earlier this year, he took part in BBC1’s Let’s Dance for Comic Relief with Caroline Flack where the duo performed My Humps by the Black Eyed Peas and he can currently be seen presenting the children’s show Gimme A Break on the CBBC Channel.

For more than a decade Regent Theatre pantomimes have become an essential part of Christmas offering all the ingredients for the perfect panto.

This year’s panto mission remains as bold as ever – to provide a fantastically funny, traditional family pantomime packed with sensational songs, sparkling sets, hilarious comedy and lots of audience participation.

Theatre spokeswoman Emma Hart says: “It’s the Christmas tradition you don’t want to miss!

“Featuring the most recognisable characters in panto, including our hero Aladdin, the beautiful princess, the evil sorcerer, and the ultimate dame – Widow Twankey.

“Aladdin is sure to make Christmas 2011 one to remember for the whole family.

“So hop on your magic carpet and get your tickets for the region’s favourite panto.

“If you ask your genie for just one thing this year, make it a trip to see Aladdin!”

Aladdin runs from December 15 until January 15, 2012. Tickets are priced from £16.75-£25.75. To book, call the box office on 0844 871 7649 or visit www.atgtickets.com/stoke.