BBC Radio 2 presenter to headline panto

BBC Radio 2 star Richie Anderson and Britian’s Got Talent finalist Jamie Leahey will join Swindon’s Jack and the Beanstalk panto adventure.

Richie Anderson, one of the UK’s most recognisable broadcasters, will star as the Squire. After six years as a familiar voice on the Radio 2 Breakfast Show with Zoe Ball, Richie now hosts his own Sunday evening show on BBC Radio 2 and regularly covers some of the station’s most popular programmes including shows hosted by Rylan, Dermot O’Leary and Sara Cox.

Alongside his hugely successful radio career, Richie has become a regular face on British television. He currently presents BBC One’s Escape to the Country, has appeared on Strictly Come Dancing, Celebrity MasterChef and Celebrity Gogglebox, and was part of the BBC’s Eurovision coverage for the fourth consecutive year.

Following his successful panto debut last year, Richie said: “I’ve always been a huge fan of panto, growing up attending every year in Birmingham, so I know just how special it is for audiences to come together and have a brilliant time.

“What I enjoy most is the pure escapism, playing a silly character, singing, dancing, and making sure everyone leaves with a smile on their face. Some of the best moments are when things go off script and the audience are in fits of laughter. I also really enjoy spending time with such a talented cast and learning from them, so I can’t wait to come back again this year.

“Also… fun fact… I trained for my samba on Strictly in Swindon… during the very week I was voted out! So, I’m back to rewrite history and create a Swindon success story!”

Joining Richie is ventriloquist Jamie Leahey, one of the UK’s brightest rising comedy talents, who will appear alongside his puppet sidekick Chuck as Simon Trott. Jamie shot to national fame in 2022 as runner-up on Britain’s Got Talent, earning standing ovations at both the London Palladium and the Hammersmith Apollo. Since then, Jamie and Chuck have entertained audiences around the world, performing in Bahrain, filming for America’s Got Talent: All Stars in Los Angeles and appearing on CBBC’s Saturday Mash-Up.

He said: “I’m thrilled to be appearing in this year’s Christmas panto, Jack and the Beanstalk, at the Wyvern Theatre in Swindon. What I love most about panto is that there’s something for everyone. A guaranteed good time where all the family can come together, have a laugh, and just enjoy the magic.

I’m especially excited to meet the audiences of Swindon and perform at the Wyvern Theatre for the first time. I’ve heard very good things about David Ashley, a true panto legend, and I can’t wait to share the stage with him. And of course, Chuck is absolutely egg-static!”

Appearing alongside previously announced Swindon favourite dame David Ashley, the stellar cast promises audiences a giant adventure packed with all the panto ingredients you know and love from the Wyvern Theatre.

Laura James, Theatre Director at the Wyvern said: ‘We are absolutely thrilled to be announcing that Richie and Jamie will be leading the cast of Jack and the Beanstalk this December at the Wyvern. Their energy, charisma and comic talent make them the perfect pair to climb the beanstalk and join our giant adventure.

“Together with Swindon’s legendary Panto Dame, David Ashley, they’re sure to create the perfect magical mix of laughter, mischief and family fun! We can’t wait to provide our audiences with an unforgettable experience this fee-fi-fantastic festive season.”

The Trott’s are so poor they don’t have a bean to their name and what’s more, there’s an evil and greedy giant terrifying the village. Will they really have to sell Daisy, the family cow just to survive? Join brave young Jack as he swaps his cow for a handful of magic beans, sparking an epic journey to the land of giants.

Award-winning producers Imagine Theatre return with a panto that promises to be bigger, bolder and funnier than ever. Expect dazzling sets, show-stopping songs, plenty of audience participation, and more panto magic than you can shake a wand at!

Tickets are on sale now for this ‘moo-vellous’ family friendly panto which will leave everyone aged 4 to 104 feeling full of ‘beans’! 

Dates: 5 December 2026 to Sun 3 January 2027

Times Times vary please see website for details: www.swindontheatre.co.uk