TV, film, and stage star talks on making her Crewe panto debut this Christmas
By Ryan Parker 4th Dec 2025
By Ryan Parker 4th Dec 2025
A TV, film and stage star who rose to fame in Channel 4's soap opera Brookside, is "super excited" to perform in Crewe's 2025 Jack and the Beanstalk Christmas pantomime, her first live appearance in the town.
Jennifer Ellison, 42, who played 'Emily Shadwick' in the hugely popular TV series from 1998 to 2002, is set star as baddie 'Poison Ivy' at Crewe Lyceum Theatre, running from Friday 12 December to Sunday 4 January.
The Phantom of The Opera film star, as 'Meg Giry,' will be performing at the "gorgeous" town centre venue alongside returning Crewe panto favourites Malcolm Lord and Ste Johnston.
Jennifer told Nub News: "I am really looking forward to performing in Crewe. I have performed on many UK tours, but never in Crewe so it is nice to do it this time and I am super excited.
"Crewe Lyceum Theatre is gorgeous, a really beautiful venue. Being well over 100 years old, it is steeped in history and I have learnt all about it which has been really interesting.
"Across my career, have done loads of different bits from TV, stage and film. I am excited to get back on stage in front of a live audience and shake things up again.
"The Jack and the Beanstalk cast are all really nice which is so important over Christmas with long hours and lots of shows together.
"I could just tell straight away that everyone was fabulous and I look forward to working with them across the festive period.
"Being in this industry, people can be hard work, but here everyone is up for a good laugh and they don't take themselves too seriously. I can tell we are going to have a good crack at it.
"It is hard work doing show many shows over the Christmas period, but it is so fun at the same time. I am really lucky to have such a great cast here in Crewe."
The Musical theatre star, Jennifer, has also performed in West End productions and tours across the UK, including Greatest Days, Singin' in the Rain, Legally Blonde, and Calendar Girls, along with her personal favourite, Chicago, playing 'Roxie Hart.'
A personal highlight for the Liverpool-born star was being crowned champion celebrity chef of 2004's Hell's Kitchen, aged just 21, after admitting she "didn't even know how to boil an egg" beforehand.
Jennifer said: "Over my career, my standout moments include playing my dream role as 'Roxie' in Chicago and starring as 'Meg Giry' In Phantom of The Opera.
"Another standout was definitely winning Hells Kitchen and working with Gordon Ramsay, it was just amazing. He liked me so I got away with it a little bit.
"Winning the show was just a massive achievement. I went in not even knowing how to boil an egg to going on to win it.
"I also absolutely loved Brookside, that is the reason why I am here today. I am forever grateful for getting that opportunity and It will always have a special place in my heart."
2025 will be Jennifer's sixth year of taking to the stage for pantomime, with the Liverpool-born singer and dancer most excited to be entertaining local children.
Jennifer said: "Christmas is the best time of the year for people to enjoy theatre, it is a really feel-good show, with a talent-filled cast.
"Coming along to Crewe Lyceum will be the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit and the most exciting first experience of live theatre for children.
"Playing Poison Ivy, I just love being the baddie, especially with the kids shows from schools and they have no parents with them.
"With the schools about to break up, they are so excited for Christmas and have so much energy. They just get so involved with their cheering and shouting, it is just the best feeling in the world."
You can purchase tickets for Jack and the Beanstalk at Crewe Lyceum HERE. Lookout for our exclusive interview with Malcolm and Ste next week.
READ MORE: What's on in Crewe this weekend: Festive Fun Run, Epic 90s 00s Experience and more.
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