Stoke's second son Jonathan Wilkes can't wait to star in his home town at Christmas and he is already promising a part for his biggest mate. Jonathan, who is a great friend of the city's most famous son Robbie Williams, will be rubbing his magic lamp in the Regent Theatre's pantomime Aladdin and is promising to conjure up the superstar - with the help of a little bit of technological trickery. He has just left on a world tour supporting his pal and before jetting off to Australia, he explained: 'You can get Robbie to do anything, just give him a Wagon Wheel! 'It's brilliant that he is taking part in the panto again and I'm sure he will make a great genie albeit as a hologram. 'Our biggest challenge is to top last year but I'm really confident we will do it. 'I seriously wouldn't do panto anywhere other than Stoke. You can say whatever you like but the people there have a fantastic sense of humour and I'm going to make sure we give them the best show ever. 'The set and costumes are absolutely amazing this year and I cannot speak highly enough of the cast. 'I like Sydney but I couldn't live there because they don't have any oat cakes!' Jonathan will be joined on stage in flesh and blood by Vicky Entwistle - Coronation Street's hilarious Janice Battersby - Carolynne Good from BBC1's Fame Academy, and many more. He adds: 'They're both wonderful and a pleasure to work with. 'We've already done the majority of rehearsals, which is fortunatel because when I get back from Australia I will only have one day left to learn my lines. Panto is such a magical experience, especially for kids. 'I fell in love with the theatre because of panto and I want to give that experience to today's youngsters.' Jonathan is hoping he is as successful as he was at the Regent last Christmas when he starred in Mother Goose. * Aladdin runs at the Regent Theatre from December 21 until January 14. For tickets, priced £10 to £19, phone the box office on 0870 060 6649. | 
