Colin Baker (The Sixth Doctor)
Jack and the Beanstalk, Palace Theatre, Mansfield
Also features Christopher Pizzey (Eddie Smith, The Sarah Jane Adventures)
3rd December - 8th January

Starring Doctor Who's Colin Baker as Fleshcreep, Chris Pizzey (The Basil Brush Show) as Simple Simon, Emma Nowell (Hi-5) and Jack, and Stephen David as Dame Trott.

Colin returns to panto land this Christmas to reprise his acclaimed role as the giant's henchman Fleshcreep.

John Barrowman (Captain Jack)
Robinson Crusoe and the Caribbean Pirates, Glasgow SECC
17th December - 7th January

Following Aladdin, our 5-star pantomime last Christmas, we are delighted that John Barrowman and The Krankies will return to our stage for the forthcoming pantomime season to lead the cast of the swashbuckling adventure Robinson Crusoe and the Caribbean Pirates.

John Barrowman is to play the title role of Robinson Crusoe with Glasgow pantomime favourites, The Krankies, to play Captain Crusoe & Jimmy Crusoe!

The use of 3D in Aladdin was such a huge hit with audiences that the show’s producers, Qdos Entertainment - the largest panto producer in the world, are creating brand-new and even more spectacular 3D which will feature in Robinson Crusoe and the Caribbean Pirates.

Bonnie Langford (Mel)
Jack and the Beanstalk, Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford
Also features Royce Mills (Dalek voices)
2nd December - 8th January

Following her triumphant success on Broadway starring in Chicago, Surrey-born actress, dancer and entertainer Bonnie Langford will star as Fairy Fuchsia, leading a truly fabulous cast in this year’s magical family pantomime.

Bonnie is joined on stage by one of the country’s top cabaret performers; the inimitable Kit Hesketh-Harvey. Kit has made many appearances on the Yvonne Arnaud stage as one half of the hilarious comedy duo, Kit & The Widow. Guaranteed to make you laugh, he makes his pantomime debut as mischievous Dastardly Dick.

And the boys are back and full of beans! Surrey and Hampshire’s favourite breakfast show host, Eagle Radio’s Peter Gordon in all his regal splendour returns as The King, whilst the multi-talented Lloyd Hollett brings his charm and charisma as Simple Simon and Guildford favourite Royce Mills is ready with his wonderful wardrobe as Dame Trott.

After her enchanting performance as our Aladdin in 2008, Emma Thornett returns to Guildford to play the title role of Jack this Christmas. A hugely talented performer, she created the role of Mary in the original production of David Essex’s All the Fun of the Fair, and starred in Blood Brothers in the West End.

Frazer Hines (Jamie McCrimmon)
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Embassy Theatre, Skegness
14th - 31st December

JAMIE MARCUS PRODUCTIONS, well known for its high standards and incredible shows, bring the most magical and spectacular festive pantomime to the Embassy Theatre, Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs

This wonderful well-loved tale, which was made famous by the 1937 Disney film, has all your favourite characters. Can Snow White meet the Prince of her dreams or will the evil Queen stop her? Laugh at the outrageous 'Nurse Knickerbocker' and the very silly 'Muddles', and sing-along with the loveable dwarfs.

For the first time ever in Lincolnshire, the amazing interactive 'Face of the Mirror' comes alive and leaves you spellbound! Will you be the one to ask him a question?

Don't miss the magic!

BBC Children in Need provides grants to projects in the UK which focus on children and young people who are disadvantaged. It is local to people in all corners of the UK and supports small and large organisations which empower children and extend their life choices.

The grant programmes are open all year round for applications, with a focus on allocating the money to deserving projects 4 times a year. To find out more about grant programmes, to apply for a grant or to hear how some children's lives have been changed for the better, visit 'Change Lives'

Every penny from the money you raise or donate will go towards helping disadvantaged children and young people right here in the UK. Children in Need is able to make this promise because it uses investment income and Gift Aid to cover all running costs, meaning that you can be sure your money makes a real difference.

"So far you have helped to raise over £600 million and you never cease to amaze us with your fabulous fundraising events and generous donations. However, there are still so many children that need your help. This year's Appeal promises to be bigger and better than ever before so make sure you get involved and help us to make a difference to children who need our help the most, especially in such tough economic times."

I'd say the tweed jacket or the bow-tie are the most iconic - although the boots are my personal favourite. I hope people donate generously for BBC Children in Need because it's a wonderful cause - and we've got to beat last year's total.

... Newsreaders Fiona Bruce, Emily Maitlis, Sophie Raworth and Sian Williams try their hand at ballroom and face Len Goodman, Bruno Tonioli, Craig Revel Horwood and Alesha Dixon with their own Strictly Challenge. Nick Knowles is in the studio for DIY SOS – The Big Build to celebrate their biggest makeover to date, and there's an exclusive sneak peek at the Doctor Who Christmas special.

Scores of fans can sign up to host a Doctor Who themed party in their own home when the new initiative put together by marketing company Come Round launches this week. For aspiring young Doctors, Amys and Rorys these official party packages will the perfect way to celebrate their love of the show.

The first 400 to sign-up will receive an exclusive party pack containing official Doctor Who merchandise, tailored game suggestions, posters and more – the perfect kit to host the perfect party.

Furthermore, all the first 400 will be given exclusive access to stream special never-seen-before DVD extras before the DVD becomes available to the British public. The four Monster File previews are 10 to 15 minutes each and will be part of the exclusive pack given to the winners to share with guests of their party.

Launched just before the much anticipated boxset hits the shops, the first-ever official Doctor Who parties will take place on the 19th and 20th November 2011. For those not lucky enough to get a hosting pack, special ‘print at home’ kits will be available so anyone can don a bow tie or a River Song mask to join in the fun in their own home.