The Regent Theatre has announced further casting for their upcoming production of Cinderella, playing from Friday 12 December 2025 – Sunday 4 January 2026, starring the previously announced Jonathan Wilkes in the legendary role of Buttons.
Jonathan will be joined by panto favourite Kai Owen as Dandini, who will return to the Regent Theatre for his 10th year. Starring alongside Jonny and Kai will be musical theatre’s Rhiane Drummond as The Fairy Godmother, Kirsty Ingram as Cinderella, and Ben Oatley as Prince Charming.
Cinderella will mark Jonny’s fifth time treading the boards of the Regent Theatre stage in the role of Buttons. The panto star is no stranger to the stage, having 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.
Kai Owen is best known for his portrayal of Rhys in the worldwide hit series Torchwood created by Russell T Davies and Channel 4's Hollyoaks. Kai is a familiar face to Stoke-on-Trent audiences, with Cinderella marking his 10th year in panto on the Regent Theatre stage.
Rhiane Drummond joins the cast as the magical Fairy Godmother - she has worked professionally for over a decade, with her extensive theatre credits including leading roles in The Lion King, Sleeping Beauty, Jack and the Beanstalk, Sunshine on Leith, Around the World in 80 Days, Heathers: The Musical, 9 to 5: The Musical, Dreamgirls, Hair, Ghost the Musical, Avenue Q, Sister Act and Hairspray.
In the title role of Cinderella, Kirsty Ingram has credits including Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Grease, Cats, Hairspray, The Addams Family, High Society and Bugsy Malone, and appearances in productions across the West End, national and international tours. She has also featured in The National Lottery’s Big Night of Musicals (BBC) and Dr Seuss’ The Grinch Musical Live! (NBC/Universal).
Ben Oatley will be joining the cast as Prince Charming. His credits include Les Misérables (Sondheim Theatre), Roles We’ll Never Play (Union Theatre) and the workshop of Becoming Nancy.
Brought to audiences by the world’s biggest pantomime producer, Crossroads Pantomimes, Cinderella will feature amazing special effects, stunning sets, beautiful costumes, and will be packed with all the traditional pantomime ingredients Stoke-on-Trent audiences know to expect, taking your whole family on a magical panto adventure like never before!
Cheryl Taylor, Theatre Director of the Regent Theatre and Victoria Hall said:
‘We are thrilled to have Kai returning for his 10th pantomime at the Regent Theatre, he’s now one of the family and audiences love to see him each year. We can’t wait to welcome Rhiane, Kirsty and Ben who will be in safe hands as they’re led by Stoke-on-Trent legend Jonny Wilkes in what’s set to be an incredibly special and magical festive season.’
Will Cinderella make it to the ball? Will the Fairy Godmother work her magic in time? Find out in the ultimate magical pantomime adventure and book your tickets now!
Tickets for Cinderella are on sale at www.atgtickets.com/stoke. Exclusive offers are also available to ATG+ Members and Group bookers.
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