Star from ITV's The Chase and I'm A Celebrity to lead Fareham Christmas pantomime Jack In The Beanstalk
.jpg?width=96&crop=1:1,smart)
She has appeared on several popular TV programmes and will be taking on a starring role
A famous face from beloved TV shows will be taking on a starring role in Fareham’s Christmas pantomime.
Anne Hegerty, best known as ‘The Governess’ on ITV’s multi-award-winning The Chase, will be performing in Fareham Live’s upcoming festive showcase. She’ll be taking a lead role in Jack and the Beanstalk this December.
Marking her thirteenth year on stage in a Christmas panto, Anne said: “I last worked with the producers of the panto, Imagine Theatre, back in 2022 and they are a fantastic company so I cannot wait to be back with then. This will be my first time at Fareham Live and it looks like a great new venue. I have been a ‘goodie’ for the past few years in panto but the ‘baddie’ is the role that actually drives the plot – and I always get a song!”
As well as being a prominent quiz expert in The Chase, Anne was also a contestant on I’m A Celebrity: Get Me Out of Here in 2018. She has appeared on Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway, Sunday Night at the London Palladium, Loose Women, This Morning, Lorraine, Celebrity Juice, DNA Journey and Cooking With the Stars.
The TV times showcased her on the cover when she was dressed as Britannia, and pretending to be Alan Carr’s mother in aid of cancer research. She will be joined by a beloved actor who caught the attention of audience’s last year.
Josiah Eloi wowed audiences in his dame debut at Fareham Live last year, and will be returning in the same role. A review from The News last year praised his performance as being “sensational to watch”, which contributed to a show that was “comedy gold”.
On screen, Josiah is known for roles as Darren in BBC’s Stuffed, Little Barry Brennan in Bad Tidings on Sky, and appearances in ITV’s Changing Ends. His stage work spans a wide range of pantomimes across the UK and internationally including immersive theatre with Secret Cinema and the Royal Opera House. Josiah said he was delighted to be returning to Fareham.
He added: “Being asked to come back to Fareham this year is an honour! I can’t wait to get back down south to be part of a show that is already looking epic!”
The Jack in the Beanstalk show will feature The Trotts, who are so poor they don’t have a bean to their name. They’ll also be contending with an evil and greedy giant terrifying the village. Audiences can join Jack as he swaps the family cow Buttercup for a handful of magic beans, sparking an epic journey to the land of giants. The classic tale will be brought to life by dazzling sets, show-stopping songs, and plenty of audience participation.
Shows run from December 11 to January 3, 2027. Tickets range from £13.25 to £40, with school, concession, and group rates available.
Sheena Hulme, venue director at Fareham Live, said: “Audiences absolutely loved Josiah as the Dame last year and we are delighted to welcome him back to Fareham Live for Jack and the Beanstalk. With Anne Hegerty joining the cast, this year’s Panto is already shaping up to be a giant festive adventure for families across the region.”
Tickets can be purchased online via the Fareham Live website.