Much-loved TV presenter Anneka Rice and Pirates of the Caribbean actor Tom Hollander have been added to the line-up for this year’s Happy Christmas Ipswich spectacular.
The comedy and music extravaganza, hosted by East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) and spearheaded by dedicated celebrity patron Griff Rhys Jones, is taking place at The Ipswich Regent on Thursday, 4th December.
Only a handful of tickets remain and Anneka and Tom will also be joined by top impressionist Jan Ravens, comedians Dee Allum and Sophie McCartney, West End star Dianne Pilkington and Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist John Pierce.
Popular comedian Tim Vine is also on the bill, having been the first act to be confirmed back in August.
“We’re thrilled to be in a position to confirm more brilliant acts for this year’s show,” said Ali Butler, EACH’s Senior Community Fundraiser for Suffolk.
“The line-up is fast taking shape, and, as ever, it promises to be a very special and memorable night.
“It’s a fantastic mix of comedy and music, and, with only the last few tickets remaining, my advice to anyone hoping to come along would be to get in quick.”
Anneka started her illustrious career in children’s television before finding fame on Channel 4’s Treasure Hunt and 90s favourite Challenge Anneka.
After taking a sabbatical, she returned to broadcasting by presenting various shows, including Channel 5’s Secrets of the National Trust, as well as BBC Radio 2’s weekend Breakfast Show.
Tom shot to prominence for his role in 2005 film Pride and Prejudice, before going on to play Lord Cutler Beckett in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise and appearing in the films Gosford Park, Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation and Bohemian Rhapsody.
His TV credits include BBC sitcom Rev. and thriller The Night Manager, as well as playing King George V in The Lost Prince and The King’s Man.
Jan is an actress and impressionist known for her voiceover work on Spitting Image and Dead Ringers. Other TV roles include One Foot in the Grave, Celebrity Mastermind and Skins, as well as being a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing in 2006.
Award-winning stand-up comedian and writer Dee took her debut solo stand-up show, Deadname, to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2024. After receiving widespread critical acclaim, she also performed at London’s Soho Theatre, followed by a tour of the UK in 2025.
Sophie is a comedian and novelist who has written and performed about her experiences of motherhood. Her parody version of the Ed Sheeran song Shape of You went viral, and she was shortlisted for the Bollinger Everyman Wodehouse Prize for her novel Mother Hens.
Dianne is a West End star, having played lead roles in Les Misérables, Mamma Mia! and Wicked, while Essex singer John shot to prominence after reaching the semi-finals of this year’s Britain Got Talent.
Suffolk’s Royal Hospital School Drummers will also be performing, as will British-Mexican jazz pianist and composer Oscar Lyons, from Bury St Edmunds. Both acts were confirmed when tickets went on general sale in August.
This year’s show promises to be extra special as it will be the first performance since a major redevelopment project at the Regent.
The work includes a new single-storey extension, improved accessibility and refurbished facilities. The theatre, which has a capacity of 1,551, has been closed since May.
Happy Christmas Ipswich – which last year raised a record-breaking £146,500 – is being supported by headline sponsor Richard Johnston Ltd.
To buy tickets for this year’s show, head here.
