The Chase’s Anne Hegerty heads to Warrington to launch magical family panto Cinderella at Parr Hall

TV star Anne Hegerty has been sprinkling her panto magic on Warrington as the countdown begins to Cinderella at Parr Hall.

Anne, best known as ‘The Governess’ on hit ITV quiz show The Chase, joined the full cast as part of a launch event to publicise the family show’s arrival in January.

The former I’m A Celebrity contestant will be playing the Fairy Godmother and said she is relishing the chance to have a very different role to her usual authoritative demeanour as a ‘Chaser’.

Anne, who is celebrating 10 years in pantomime, added: “I am very much looking forward to working this Christmas in Cinderella at Parr Hall in Warrington.

“The panto is going to be great and it will be nice to play the good fairy for a change rather than getting the boos. Come along to this lovely venue and have a brilliant time with me and the rest of the cast. See you there!”

Anne will be joined by Charlotte Buxton as Cinderella, Stockton Heath’s own Chris Pym as Prince Charming, Katie Buttner as Dandini, Nick Fawcett as Baron Hardup and Philip Meeks and Matt McInnes as the Ugly Sisters.

Magician, entertainer and Parr Hall favourite Daniel Dean will also be returning for the third year – this time in the role of the dependable if a little hapless Buttons.

The traditional treat is coming to Warrington between Friday, 3 January, and Sunday, 12 January, and tickets are on sale now.

Chris Persoglio, Executive Director at Culture Warrington, said: “We always thoroughly enjoy panto season here at Parr Hall. But having Cinderella on stage makes it just that extra bit special because it is such a well-loved story.

“We also have a brilliant cast this year. Anne is bringing her unique style and star appeal which we’re sure will go down a treat, and the Parr Hall team loved meeting her and the full cast on our launch day.

“They’ll all be bringing a mix of warmth, charisma and humour to their roles. Finally, I’d like to give a shout out to Daniel Dean. We couldn’t resist bringing Daniel back to Warrington because his enthusiasm is infectious and he’s such a hit with our young audiences. We can’t wait to see you all in January.”

The production continues a longstanding partnership between Parr Hall and Tony Peers Ltd.

Tony Peers and his team have been entertaining families for decades with a tried and true format of fun, laughter and a happily ever after that has kids and adults alike glued to their seats.

Tony, who has worked in show business since 1969, added: “I’m looking forward to returning to Parr Hall once again to produce this year’s pantomime, the ever popular Cinderella, with Anne Hegerty from The Chase playing Fairy Godmother.

“It is always a pleasure to return to Parr Hall, and I would like to take this opportunity to wish all of our audiences a very merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.”

Cinderella is at Parr Hall between Friday, 3 January, and Sunday, 12 January. Tickets are from £7 with special offers available for families and large bookings. Visit parrhall.culturewarrington.org/whats-on/Cinderella or call Box Office on 01925 442345.