THE Gazette can reveal today that actor Mark Little, who made his name as Joe Mangel in the long-running Australian soap Neighbours, will play the role of Fleshcreep in Jack and the Beanstalk at The Anvil this Christmas.

When Dame Trot sends her son Jack to market, little do they know that swapping Daisy the cow for a handful of beans will result in an overgrown beanstalk, a hungry giant, wicked henchman and fabulous golden treasure.

With thrilling adventures, gigantic laughs, spectacular sets and costumes, this pantomime promises to be a giant treat for the whole family.

In addition to his theatre and television work, Mark Little has appeared in sixteen feature films and recently completed shooting the Lance Armstrong biopic Icon, directed by Stephen Frears.

He has presented numerous shows on British television including The Big Breakfast and Wish You Were Here and is a regular panellist on The Wright Stuff.

Mark’s West End theatre debut came in 1999 with the one-man play, Defending the Caveman at the Apollo Theatre, for which he was awarded an Olivier for Best Entertainment. He went on to tour the show nationally and internationally for ten years.

Mark Little will be joined in Jack and the Beanstalk by Mark Rhodes as Jack.

Mark Rhodes is best known as one half of the hugely popular presenting duo Sam and Mark. The pair have come a long way since Pop Idol in 2003, when they came second and third respectively.

Basingstoke Gazette:

Since 2011, they have hosted Sam & Mark’s Big Friday Wind Up for CBBC.The show has proved to be a big hit with families and the boys were delighted to scoop their first Children's BAFTA in the presenter category for this show.

The pair have also made a name for themselves through their weekly live radio show which broadcasts live every Sunday on Free Radio across the West Midlands.

Also coming to Basingstoke this festive season for Jack and the Beanstalk are former Gavin and Stacey star Melanie Walters (forest fairy), Chris Pizzey (Simple Simon) and Philip Meeks (Dame Trott).

Basingstoke Gazette:

See the show at The Anvil from December 10 until January 3. A relaxed performance will take place on Wednesday, December 23 at 2pm.

Tickets are now available from the box office on 01256 844244 or online at anvilarts.org.uk.