By Graham Hiley.
Anne Hegerty is relishing the role of the villain in Jack and the Beanstalk despite the change of identity.
The star of ITV smash-hit quiz show The Chase will be playing Poison Ivy in the Christmas pantomime at Fareham Live from Dec 11 to Jan 3.
She laughed: “It is the fourth time I have been the baddie in this show and each time I have had a different name!
“But whatever I am called in the panto, I know people are really there to see and boo the Governess from The Chase and that’s great. I love it.
“I really enjoy doing panto and meeting people and seeing their reactions. It is a chance to act and sing and be funny – and to do something completely different to The Chase.
“The quiz show has quite a lot of grannies watching, so I am sure they will be out in force with grandchildren in tow and we will be out to make it a lot of fun for them with something for all ages.
“I have been a goodie for the past couple of years, so I am really looking forward to being a villain again. They have given me a fabulous costume which looks great. The only drawback is it is quite hot wearing it on stage – and I worry about the headdress falling off!”
One of the plus points of panto is that if something does go wrong, it simply adds to the enjoyment of the audience. But that does not mean the cast take it lightly.
Anne added: “People sometimes say it doesn’t matter if you mess up in panto but we are all still very professional. If you miss a cue, then it does affect the continuity.
“And if you do make a mistake, then you just have to get out of it as best you can. I remember announcing ‘Here are the magic beans…’ and then quickly adding: ‘And they are invisible’ because I had forgotten to bring them with me! Now I make sure I carry all my props all the time.
“I do take it very seriously. Although I have not trained as a singer, I can hold a tune; in terms of acting, that is really what I do as the Governess. So, it is going to be a great show. We have a fantastic cast so I am really looking forward to it.”
Jack and the Beanstalk runs at Fareham Live from December 11 to January 3. For tickets and more information, click here.
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