The Regent Theatre has announced that Stoke-on-Trent’s favourite panto star Jonathan Wilkes is back for this year’s pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk this Christmas.

Returning to the stage from Friday 15 December 2023 - Sunday 7 January 2024, Jonny Wilkes will star in the title role of Jack Trot.

In what will be his 19th season at the Regent Theatre panto, Jonny is no stranger to the stage. He has enjoyed a varied career including lead roles in Chicago, The Rocky Horror Show, Guys and Dolls and Grease, and held hosting duties on You’ve Been Framed and Love on a Saturday Night on television.

Jonny Wilkes said: “I can’t wait to return to my hometown for my 19th panto season at the Regent Theatre and I’m full of beans as this is the first time I’ll have performed in Jack and The Beanstalk. Stoke audiences are the best in the world and I love spending every Christmas with them. This panto is going to be a GIANT one!”

Brought to audiences by the World’s biggest pantomime producer, Crossroads Pantomimes, Jack and the Beanstalk will feature all the madcap mayhem Stoke audiences have come to expect from the Regent’s Christmas spectacular, with spectacular special effects, stunning song and dance and plenty of audience participation.

Michael Harrison, Chief Executive of Crossroads Pantomimes said: “Jonny is an essential part of so many families’ festive celebrations in Stoke-on-Trent and we’re delighted to be announcing his return for Christmas 2023. Planning is already underway for this gigantic adventure, and this will be a very special trip to the theatre for all the family.”

Frazer Hoyle, Theatre Director of the Regent Theatre and Victoria Hall said: “We are absolutely delighted to be welcoming back our favourite pantomime legend to the Regent Theatre this Christmas. The incredibly talented Jonny Wilkes always brings so much joy and laughter to Stoke-on-Trent audiences and we’re thrilled to have him entertaining us once again over the festive period!”

Tickets for Jack and the Beanstalk are on sale at atgtickets.com/stoke, offers are also available to TheatreCard holders.