For nearly two decades, Elaine Bithrey and her family have been making a remarkable 260-mile round-trip each year to watch the annual pantomime at the Regent Theatre in Stoke-on-Trent. What began as a simple outing has transformed into a cherished family tradition, drawing them back year after year from their home in Dunstable, Bedfordshire.
The Bithrey family’s dedication to the Stoke-on-Trent panto is fueled by a unique blend of festive fun, top-tier performances, and unforgettable experiences. Elaine, her husband, and their son have made the five-hour journey every Christmas for the past 18 years, eagerly anticipating the performances of Jonathan Wilkes and Christian Patterson, whose chemistry on stage, Elaine says, makes it “the best panto in the country.”
This year, the duo is once again joined by Kai Owen for a spellbinding performance of Dick Whittington, running through January 5. The trio has captured the hearts of the Bithrey family, as well as countless other theatergoers who return year after year for the magical performances that are known to leave audiences smiling long after the final curtain falls.
Elaine fondly remembers how it all began. Almost two decades ago, during a visit to a friend in Stoke-on-Trent, the family attended their first pantomime at the Regent Theatre. A fellow audience member encouraged them to return the following year, and the rest, as they say, is history.
“It’s more than just a show for us,” Elaine shared. “It’s a family tradition. The people of Stoke are fantastic, and the whole experience just brings us closer together. We make a full day of it – from enjoying a meal in Barlaston to visiting Trentham. As soon as we’re in the car, the excitement takes over. We’re like three kids on Christmas Day!”
The Bithreys’ love for the panto is so strong that they buy their tickets for the following year as soon as they become available, eagerly discussing the show long after it’s over.
“It’s a different experience every year,” Elaine added. “You never know what you’re going to get, and that’s what makes it so much fun.”
This year, the family’s loyalty was met with a special touch from the stars themselves. Jonathan Wilkes and Christian Patterson sent heartfelt messages to the Bithreys, thanking them for their unwavering support. In his message, Wilkes quipped, “First of all, you’ve got very good taste!” He also invited the family to meet him backstage at a future performance. Patterson, who returned from Chicago to perform in the show, expressed his gratitude, saying, “When we heard about you, we were genuinely really moved. I’m so happy that we make you and your family smile and laugh. It’s an honor to be a small part of your Christmas.”
Elaine described the messages as “making my day,” and she added, “The two of them together are just pure magic.”
The Bithrey family has already attended this year’s performance once and plans to return in January. While they have attended other pantos over the years, nothing compares to the experience in Stoke-on-Trent.
“We’ve seen other pantos, but the one in Stoke always comes out on top,” Elaine said with a smile.
For the Bithreys, the magic of the Regent Theatre panto is more than just the laughter and the dazzling performances—it’s a yearly celebration of family, tradition, and the joy of shared experiences. The 260-mile journey may be long, but for this family, it’s always worth the trip.
