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You can't beat a fabulous pantomime, and our county has plenty to choose from this Christmas...Sleeping BeautyThe Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury Don’t miss this fun-filled family pantomime, starring TV favourite Ore Oduba and West End superstar Carrie Hope Fletcher. The show will be produced by the same team behind Jack And The Beanstalk, which won Best Pantomime at the 2022 Pantomime Awards.November 25-January 8, £15-£55, marlowetheatre.comJack and the BeanstalkChurchill Theatre, Bromley Doomed to sell his trusty cow, join Jack and climb a beanstalk of gigantic proportions to cloudland. The ultimate ballroom dancer and TV favourite Anton Du Beke leads the cast as hero Jack, alongside Bromley panto-favourite Lloyd Hollett. Join them as they fight to outwit the evil giant and win riches beyond their wildest dreams.December 4-31, £21-£32, churchilltheatre.co.ukSnow WhiteThe Central Theatre, Chatham The Central Theatre’s fairy-tale pantomime will take you on a thrilling adventure this Christmas. Gillian Wright is ready to cause trouble as the Wicked Queen, while the award-winning Matthew Curnier as Herbie the Huntsman will deliver plenty of laughs. Expect live music, colourful costumes, and plenty of panto fun.December 8-31, £22-£24, medwayticketslive.co.uk/the-central-theatreBeauty and the BeastE.M. Forster Theatre, Tonbridge A handsome prince is cursed to spend his life transformed into a hideous beast – or is he? Find out if Belle and her mum can outwit the arrogant bully Clarence Casanova, and lift the curse. With spectacular scenery, fabulous costumes, and bags of slapstick fun, it’s sure to be a delight.December 9-January 2, £16-£24, emftheatre.com

Ahead of panto season, we speak to The Orchard Theatre in Dartford’s Cinderella Ellie Jane Grant about having her dream role, learning from the best, and the magic of pantomime… It’s behind you! Yes, panto season is upon us, and the creative county of Kent is the place to be for the finest in theatre. And this year, The Orchard Theatre in Dartford is bringing the story of Cinderella to its stage. Starring singing sensation, recording, radio and television star George Shelley making his pantomime debut as Prince Charming, he’ll be joined by pantomime legend Bobby Davro as Buttons, the Dancing on Ice reigning champion Regan Gascoigne as Dandini – and newcomer Ellie Jane Grant in the title role. Having recently graduated from The Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts and The BRIT School for Performing Arts and Technology, she’s currently performing the UK tour of South Pacific which marks her professional debut. ‘I've learned so much from the talented company and the creative team. It's been an amazing experience and just being able to tour around the UK and see its theatres has been grand.’ She’s now amped up to be The Orchard Theatre’s Cinderella, which she has been dreaming of since she was little. ‘I was a panto babe when I was younger, and I always looked up to the leading lady or just everyone in the cast. I'd be like, “wow, I would love to do that one day.” And it's always been a dream of mine to lead in a show.’

Glamorous and glorious, West Essex is the place to be for those looking for the very best in life

We chat to our November cover artist Nigel Wallace about what makes his art so wonderful, plus give you the chance to win one of his prints... It’s hard to capture what a place means to you. The memorable landmarks, the colourful atmosphere, the nostalgia when looking back on memories. But Nigel Wallace is an expert at doing that, with his beautiful prints that celebrate the best of Kent and beyond. ‘I trained as a technical illustrator, and but eventually left to start doing art and pencil drawings,’ he explains. ‘I started selling photographs when the digital age took over, but eventually, I went back to illustrating and started doing these posters of copies of the old railway posters.’ White One Sugar was soon born, and has been going now for over 20 years. ‘My daughter came up with the idea for the name – it’s actually how I take my tea, but we thought it would be a good name for a business.’ Its uniqueness means that people do recognise it, which is handy when selling to shops across the country.

From family fun to spooky adventures to pumpkin picking, we've rounded up some of the best Halloween events to enjoy in Kent… Trick or Treat Trail Quex Activity Centre, Birchington Dare you venture to Quex Adventure Farm Park this Halloween? Explore a trick-or-treat trail in the spooky woods – if you’re brave enough to face the creepy characters in the woods and survive their tricks, you might just be rewarded with a spooktacular sweet treat. Other delights include a pumpkin picking patch and The Slime Blaster Express to ride on. Tickets include the trail, Halloween treats, one pumpkin, a trip on the express, and access to the park facilities.October 15-30, £6, £19.50 child, quexactivitycentre.comPumpkin Town Bettershanger Park, Deal Explore a whole pumpkin-tastic world that’s perfect for little ones, with Halloween-themed games to enjoy, from pumpkin bowling to slime-handling, and prizes to be won. There are plenty of photo opportunities to be had alongside Halloween characters, and children can pick out a pumpkin from the patch, then take it home or carve it on-site - with expert help - in the marquee.October 15-30, £7 for one child with two accompanying adults, betteshanger-park.co.ukHalloween Half-Term Fun The Hop Farm, Tonbridge Children will love dressing up in their best Halloween finery, for a tour of the special spooky trail, plus tricks and treats. You can also see animals on the farm including donkeys and horses, as well as enjoying a range of indoor and outdoor attractions including the Hop Museum, a magic castle, jumping pillows, and even a driving school.October 22-30, £4, thehopfarm.co.ukHalloween Half-Term Fun Hever Castle, Edenbridge Spooky fancy dress actively encouraged for families up for a spine-tingling visit to Hever Castle. Listen to traditional ghost stories and spot Halloween decorations around the grounds, entering different areas to find letters that you can use to spell out a mystery word. Get it right, and win a small prize. There's also the chance to plant garlic bulbs in a free family-friendly workshop – the perfect way to ward off any stray vampires!October 22-30, included in admission, castle and ground tickets £19.80, child £11.25, hevercastle.co.uk

From theatre shows to thrilling workshops, these are some of the best things to do in Kent this October...

St Ibbs Lodge Hitchin A gorgeous period property, this thatched former gatehouse is a beautiful mixture of period and contemporary. The ground floor features an airy reception hall and a substantial sitting room, while the first floor has five bedrooms including a bedroom suite with shower room and dressing room. Outside, the landscaped grounds offer a delightful ambiance with picturesque scenery from all aspects. There are mature trees, beds and borders, and an expansive terrace that’s perfect for dining al fresco. There’s also an original pool and a summer house.Why we love it: The combination of unique original features, matched with the modern and flexible spaces, makes for relaxed and comfortable living.Guide price: £1.95mContact: Strutt and Parker | 01727 738 298

From history to racing and shopping to celebrities, we’ve rounded up everything you need to know about the iconic Goodwood Revival this year…What is the Goodwood Revival? The Goodwood Revival is a three-day event that celebrates the finest of old-school motoring and vehicles. In 2022, the event will take place on September 16-18. Here you can take a trip back in time and enjoy motor races of classic vehicles, as well as explore vintage shops and learn about the history of the 1940s-60s.What is the history behind the Goodwood Revival? The first Goodwood Revival first took place in 1998, where the Earl of March Charles Gordon-Lennox drove around the iconic race circuit in the same Bristol 400 car that his grandfather had 40 years ago. Prior to this, the circuit had been closed since 1966, but had previously staged races for the Tourist Trophy, the Glover Cup and Grand Prix cars.

Searching for the ultimate dream holiday location? The Calista Luxury Resort in Türkiye may be just what you're looking for... Sprawled in the breezy cabana, my favourite drink in hand and overlooking the ocean, I thought life couldn’t get any better than this. I was at the Calista Luxury Resort in Türkiye – a five-star establishment that prides itself on being 'super all-inclusive'. The name comes from the Greek Goddess which means 'most beautiful' – which was both fitting as the hotel exuded style and because I was hoping to look like a tanned Greek Goddess by the end of my trip. I was picked up at the airport by the VIP transfer service. 'Is this all for me?' I gasped, as I was shown plush seating and a glovebox filled with refreshing drinks. This was just the start of me being very spoiled indeed. My first impression when I pulled up was how grand and thoughtfully planned the exterior and interior were. The exterior was designed by GMP – one of Germany's leading architecture companies, while the interior architecture design was done by British Frank Solano. The elegance in details throughout, both architecturally, design wise and service wise were fantastic. In the lobby, cream sofas, deep blue carpeting and glossy elevators welcomed me into this. When holidaying, you want to feel enveloped in relaxation and sophistication – and when I was proffered my chosen glass of wine on arrival, I was sold that Calista would be able to do this for me.