Since Twitter was pretty much invented for following celebrities and posting pictures of food, we’ve compiled a list of our favourite tweeting celebs who are doing panto this year. Follow them to inject a bit of festive glamour into your feed.

Larry Lamb (@LarryLamb47)
Perhaps best-known for his portrayal of EastEnders mega-baddie Archie Mitchell, Larry Lamb certainly knows how to play the bad guy.

His wicked mistreatment of Peggy Mitchell – patron saint of pubs and faaammmmily – earned him the Villain of the Year prize at the 2010 British Soap Awards, so audiences are rightly expecting a brilliant Abanazar in a Croydon production of Aladdin.

The show opens for a month long run at Croydon’s Fairfield Halls on 2 December, 2011.

Vanilla Ice (@VanillaIce)
Vanilla Ice (hilarious real name, Robert Van Winkle) is the latest American celebrity to pop over to the UK at Christmas to do a spot of panto. This December he’ll be starring in the Chatham Central Theatre’s production of Peter Pan. You may remember Mr Ice from his 1991 smash-hit, Ice Ice Baby, or perhaps his DIY home renovation show, The Vanilla Ice Project.

No matter where you remember him from, Vanilla Ice isn’t the first person you’d think of when casting Captain Hook, Eton-educated scourge of Neverland. However, questionable hip-hop career aside, I have a feeling it’s going to be a pretty special performance. Keep an eye on Mr Ice’s feed for the inevitably hilarious tweets that could only occur when an American gets his first taste of good old-fashioned British pantomime.

The Central Theatre’s production of Peter Pan opens on 8 December, but you won’t have long to catch it, it closes on 31 December, 2011.

John ‘The Barrowman’ Barrowman (@Team_Barrowman)
We’re pretty big fans of The Barrowman at Show and Stay, which is hardly surprising since everything he touches turns to solid gold. No matter if you’re a fan of him from Doctor Who, Torchwood, Animals at Work, Desperate Housewives, Shark Attack 3: Megalodon or any of his exceptional stage roles, the opportunity to see him in panto can’t be missed.

The Barrowman will play the titular character in the Glasgow SECC’s production of Robinson Crusoe and the Caribbean Pirates. He’ll share the stage with Scotland’s most terrifying national treasures, The Krankies. Clearly the SECC were really desperate to cast the trio: They changed the entire panto just to accommodate them.

The SECC’s production of Robinson Crusoe and the Caribbean Pirates open on 17 December 2011 and closes on 7 January, 2012.

John and Edward Grimes (@PlanetJedward)
I appreciate that asking you to follow Jedward is a pretty serious request but who else this year got not just panto roles, but their very own panto!? The infectiously upbeat Grimes brothers are starring in Jedward and the Beanstalk at Dublin’s Olympia Theatre this Christmas.

Though I very much doubt that Jedward and the Beanstalk will become a classic pantomime story, I’m certain that it’ll be quite the spectacle and that Jedward will provide more than a few entertaining tweets from backstage. Even if you’re a Jedward-hater, it’s worth following them just to enjoy the schadenfreude of the plucky pair struggling through a gruelling fortnight of panto schedule. If we’re really lucky, there could be a humorous (but essentially harmless) accident or two…

The Olympia Theatre’s production of Jedward and the Beanstalk runs from 21 December, 2011 – 8 January, 2012.

Louie Spence (@LouieSpence)
Hyper-flamboyant Duke of dance Louie Spence is the only person on this list likely to divide opinion as much as Jedward. Some love his cheeky style, weapons-grade campness and enviable ability to drop it like it’s hotter than the sun at a moment’s notice. Others, mainly people who believe that only a pact with the devil can grant a man in his 40s such flexibility, are not so keen.

Whatever your stance on Louie, you can’t deny that he’s a pretty good fit for pantomime. He’ll be playing the Prince’s aide-de-camp in the Opera House, Manchester’s production of Cinderella and you can bet he’ll be sprinkling the entire production with his unique blend of glamour, humour and killer jazz-hands.

The Opera House, Manchester’s production of Cinderella runs from 3 – 31 December, 2011.

David Hasselhoff (@DavidHasselhoff)
Is there a soul left in the western world who does not know and love David Hasselhoff? He was in Knightrider, he was in Baywatch (apparently the most-watched television show of all time), he was in the Spongebob Movie and now he’s in panto at the Bristol Hippodrome.

The Hoff is to play Captain Hook, a role which he also played in his panto debut in Wimbledon last year. He’s even already given himself the nickname “Hoff the Hook” so we can only assume that he’s getting into character nice and early, which can’t hurt. Also, his extensive lifeguard training will probably come in handy when sailing the seas of Neverland aboard his pirate galleon. Avasssttttt!

The Bristol Hippodrome’s production of Peter Pan runs from 10 December, 2011 – 8 January, 2012.

Christopher Biggins (@OneBiggins)
With roughly 5900 hours of stage-time clocked up just from his pantomime roles, Christopher Biggins is the undisputed king of the panto. He’s played a dame pretty much every year since he was 21 (he’s now 62) and only missed out on panto in 2007 because he was far too busy winning I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! and stealing the nation’s hearts all over again.

Biggins is old-school celebrity at its best. He’s charming, kind-hearted, always calls everyone something lovely like “kitten” or “darling” and never takes himself too seriously. He even played a sort of caricature of himself on BBC’s creepy comedy-drama Psychoville, proving that he’s not above poking fun at his own legend. It should be hilarious to read his 140-character insights from behind the scenes.

The one-and-only Biggins will bring his unique blend of glamour and comedy to the New Theatre Cardiff’s production of Robinson Crusoe and the Caribbean Pirates from 10 December 2011 to 22 January, 2012.

Ray Quinn (@TheRealRayQuinn)
Cherub-faced X Factor runner-up Ray Quinn was described by the apparently psychic Sharon Osbourne as “a panto boy” in 2006. Fast forward to 2011 and Mother Osbourne was quite right, Quinn may not be much of a pop star, but he’s one hell of a stage star.

Quinn’s role as Doody in the West End production of Grease gave us a taste of what he’s capable of but when he was upgraded to the role of Danny Zuko, we were really impressed. Young Mr Quinn is the full Theatreland package: he sings, he dances (and ice skates) and he has an undeniable stage presence that he’ll no doubt put to good use when he plays Prince Charming in the Darlington Civic Theatre’s production of Cinderella.

The Darlington Civic Theatre’s production of Cinderella opens 3 December, 2011 and is running until 15 January, 2012.

Jamie John (@JamieJohn4U)
For someone that you might not have heard of, Jamie John has quite the CV. He’s appeared in Little Britain, the most recent Harry Potter film, pantomimes and hit Channel Four documentary, Seven Dwarves. Oh, and he’s Britain’s only drag queen dwarf!

Jamie’s only at the start of his career, but if Seven Dwarves was anything to go by, he’s destined for something pretty special. Personally, I can see a cross between a Lily Savage and Christopher Biggins in his near-future. For now, he’s playing an as-of-yet-unnamed dwarf in the Blackpool Grand Theatre’s version of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves

Craig Revel Horwood (@CraigRevHorwood)
Craig Revel Horwood, best known as Strictly Come Dancing’s harshest judge, will be putting his acid tongue to good use when he plays the Wicked Queen in the Dartford Orchard Theatre’s production of Snow White this Christmas. Horwood is no stranger to the part of the dame, in fact, he’s played the Wicked Queen several times.

The accomplished choreographer, dame and judge will be joined on stage by none other than former Shadow Home Secretary Ann Widdecombe, who will play his “Widde in Waiting”. The heady combination of Twitpics of Horwood’s glamorous frocks, his inevitably acerbic take on the efforts of his co-stars and regular updates on what Widde’s getting up to make Horwood’s panto tweets very intriguing indeed.

The Dartford Orchard Theatre’s production of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves runs from 9 – 31 December, 2011.

You can follow all of these tweeting celebs in one click by checking out our Panto Stars of 2011 list.

Sure, you don’t have to buy theatre-fans theatrey gifts, but when someone has a strong interest it’s nice to try and cater for it at Christmas. Instead of a pair of tickets to a show that they may have already seen, or the first book that pops up when you stick ‘West End’ in Amazon, consider one of these slightly more thoughtful gifts instead.

Mary Poppins Parrot Umbrella (£29.99)
Given the weather we’ve been having — and will probably continue to have well into 2011 — a nice brolly is always handy. What makes this particular one so special is the parrot’s head handle, just like the one seen in Julie Andrews’ hand in the 1964 musical film version of Mary Poppins.

Although the brolly isn’t magical, and can’t make the owner fly over London like Poppins herself, it will certainly brighten up a drizzly day.
(Available from DressCircle.co.uk)

Artist Emergency Kit (£29.99)
If the theatre-fan in your life is a performer themselves then they’ll have probably suffered from vocal issues or a similar artists’ emergency at some point. This handy little kit contains throat spray, microphone wipes (who knew such a thing existed?), white flower oil, and reusable ear plugs.

Give it as a thoughtful gift to someone who genuinely needs it or as a cheeky joke gift to the hypochondriac diva in your life.
(Available from HTFR.com)

Wicked the Musical: A Pop-Up Compendium of Splendiferous Delight and Thrillifying Intrigue (£13.86)
If you’re into musical theatre then there’s a very good chance that someone you know is a Wicked fan. There’s a fair amount of Wicked merchandise out there, from cuddly Chisterys to branded witch hats, but this pop-up book is the best of the bunch.

The beautifully detailed and intricate pop-ups and familiar story of Glinda and Elphaba are sure to win you serious brownie points.
(Available from Amazon.co.uk)

Mary Poppins umbrella, Wicked pop-up book, and Artist Emergency Kit

Elaine Paige and Friends CD (£8.95)
Elaine Paige is a bit of a West End legend, she’s been performing since the 60s and has released 20 solo albums and is still going strong. Her latest album is a collection of duets with big names including Barry Manilow, Olivia Newton-John, and John Barrowman.

Perhaps not one for the 16-year-old Legally Blonde The Musical fan in your life, but a safe bet for a grown-up theatre fan.
(Available from Play.com)

Glee CD Board Game (£19.99)
Understandably, there’s a pretty big crossover between theatre fans and Gleeks (Glee fans). This CD board game is a great gift for anyone who’s keen to prove that they’re the biggest Glee fan in the room. It’s pretty much noisy charades; you sing, dance, and perform and the other players guess which character you are.

Clearly not a great choice for those who aren’t so keen on Glee, but if you know a fan then this will make a brilliant gift and will provide a fair few laughs on Christmas day when they play it with grandma.
(Available from ForbiddenPlanet.co.uk)

Buffy The Vampire Slayer — Once More, With Feeling DVD (£10.93)
The musical episode of Buffy The Vampire Slayer is the greatest musical episode of any television show ever made. It’s become such a phenomenon among geeks and theatre fans that it has been released on its own DVD so you can enjoy it without buying an entire season box set.

Even if your friend or relative isn’t a particularly big Buffy fan, I assure you that they’ll enjoy this cracking episode. If they are a fan, then prepare for a very enthusiastic thank you card.
(Available from LoveFilm.com)

Elaine Paige and Friends, Glee CD board game, and Buffy: Once More With Feeling

Oliver! Bowl (£15.00)
A bowl with Oliver‘s most famous line, “Please sir, I want some more”, printed around the outside edge is a practical and thoughtful gift for any fan of musicals. It doesn’t come with any gruel, but that’s probably for the best.
(Available from DressCircle.co.uk)

Phantom of the Opera Monkey Music Box (£50.00)
A replica of the Phantom’s treasured music box, this whimsical trinket would make a wonderful gift for Phantom fans. When you wind up the crank on the side of the leather-look casket, the monkey who sits on top clangs his symbols along to Masquerade.

This is certainly a gift for die-hard Phans only, so be sure that you pick the right person to receive it.
(Available from Shop.ReallyUseful.com)

Steiff Joseph Musical MP3 Bear (£250)
Are you wealthy with a taste for silly Christmas presents? Well this incredibly unsettling musical teddy bear may well be right up your street. Surprise your friend or loved one with a Steiff mohair bear, complete with technicolor dreamcoat.

The fuzzy little darling even features voice activated MP3 technology, just whisper to him and he’ll sing you a selection of songs from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Lovely stuff.
(Available via special order only from DressCircle.co.uk)

Phantom music box, Oliver! bowl, and the charming Joseph bear

Theatre Break for Two (from £92)
Yes, we sell them, but they really do make lovely gifts. The great thing about giving a theatre break instead of vouchers or tickets is the person you give one to can really enjoy their time in the West End after the show. They can stop off at a bar for a glass of champagne or hang around the stage door for an autograph without having to worry about rushing back for the last train.

After they’ve enjoyed a leisurely stroll back to their hotel, they can then run a bubbly bath, order a treat from room service, and enjoy a few utterly decadent hours to themselves.
(Available from Show and Stay)

Here are ten pantomimes to look forward to this year; so get set to boo, hiss and join in the festivities as a host of big-named acts light up the stage in the name of Christmas cheer.

1. Aladdin, Clyde Auditorium Glasgow, 11 December 2010 — 9 January 2011

Ladies and gentlemen, rejoice. Following a successful run as Robin Hood at the New Theatre Cardiff last year, the talented John Barrowman is back for another Nöel onstage. The king of entertainment, well-known for starring in Doctor Who and Torchwood, will hit Glasgow as Aladdin and is sure to bring this popular tale to life with his charisma and charm.

What’s more, this spectacular production is going 3D. Don a pair of specs and experience an ultra-modern panto experience — rub the magic lamp right before your eyes and enjoy a realistic magic carpet ride.

The flamboyant Barrowman will take on the role of Aladdin this Christmas

2. Aladdin at the Liverpool Empire Theatre, 10 December 2010 — 2 January 2011

Former Baywatch star Pamela Anderson will grace the stage once again this panto season as the Genie of the Lamp — a role she played last year at the New Wimbledon Theatre. Spicing up the role in rather glamorous attire, I am sure a host of fans will flock to see her strut her stuff once again this festive season.

There is never a dull moment in panto and this year will be just as entertaining as comedian and all-round entertainer Les Dennis takes to the stage as Wishee Washee. Having played numerous roles including Buttons in Cinderella, Dennis is sure to be a great addition to the cast.

3. Aladdin at the Southport Theatre, 9 December 2010 — 2 January 2011

The great thing about panto is that anything goes. In one production of Aladdin, Pamela Anderson is Genie, in another it’s Britain’s tallest man, Neil Fingleton. Measuring 7 ft 7.5 inches, Fingleton played the Giant in Jack and the Beanstalk last year and is back to enjoy another Christmas on stage.

Michelle Heaton, who rose to fame in pop band Liberty X, is our celebrity Princess Jasmin this year, performing alongside Brendan Sheerin from Channel 4′s Coach Trip, who will take on the role of the Sultan. If Sheerin’s dramatic reactions to rather difficult tourists are anything to go by, he is absolutely made for the stage.

4.Cinderella at the White Rock Theatre, Hastings, 11 December 2010 — 2 January 2011

Everyone loves the charming story of Cinderella, and with Jimmy Osmond as Buttons we are in for a real Christmas treat. The pop legend made his panto debut as Buttons two years ago and is back in all his glory. Having learnt the knack of traditional British pantos — a type of entertainment not well-known in the USA — the American star is sure to transfer his energy and trademark smile to the stage this festive season.

5.Dick Whittington at the Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre, 18 December 2010 — 30 January 2011

Legendary actress Joan Collins will be making her pantomime debut this year as Queen Rat in Dick Whittington. An English gem, Collins is no stranger to the stage having appeared in the West End and on Broadway, and is now set to entertain panto lovers. She will star alongside comic genius Julian Clary as The Spirit of the Bells and Coronation Street star Nigel Havers.

Also making a seasonal appearance will be Keith Harris & Orville, news sure to excite anyone who remembers the loveable duo popular in the 80s and 90s.

The legendary Joan Collins

6.Dick Whittington And His Cat at the Lyric Hammersmith 27 November 2010 — 8 January 2011

The Lyric Hammersmith is celebrating the festive season with a production of Dick Whittington And His Cat. Leading the cast as Dick Whittington will be Steven Webb who can currently be seen in Waterloo East theatre’s musical Departure Lounge. A natural on stage, Webb has appeared in shows including The Lion King at the Lyceum and the Menier Chocolate Factory production of Sweet Charity, now at the West End. Dick’s cat will be played by West End star Paul J Medford, who was one of the original cast of Five Guys Named Moe at the Lyric Theatre.

7.Dick Whittington at the Bristol Hippodrome 11 December 2010 — 9 January 2011.

Dick Whittington will also be setting Bristol alight this year in another star-studded Christmas panto. EastEnder’s actress Barbara Windsor will take to the stage as Fairy Bowbells, her first panto role since 1995. After leaving the popular soap opera earlier this year, the appearance in Dick Whittington will take the beloved performer into her 60^th year of showbiz, and we are pleased to see her onstage again.

Windsor will perform in the show alongside comedian Andy Ford as Idle Jack and Corrie star Eric Potts as Sarah the Cook.

8.Peter Pan at the New Wimbledon Theatre from 10 December 2010 — 16 January 2011

Pamela Anderson isn’t the only former Baywatch star to take to panto this year. David Hasselhoff, more recently known for being a judge on America’s Got Talent, will make his British panto debut as the seafaring baddie Captain Hook. Having played Lost Boy Nibs as a child, a role which marked his first theatre performance, The Hoff returns to the stage to brighten up the New Wimbledon Theatre — let’s hope his panto performance is better than his single, Jump In My Car. Also performing in the show will be Louie Spence who will appear as Roger the cabin boy (make of that what you will).

The Hoff in his Baywatch days

9.The Magical Adventures of Robin Hood at the Glasgow Pavilion from 11 December 2010 — 9 January 2011

A well-loved folk tale, Robin Hood is the perfect choice for a Christmas panto. Taking the lead role will be comedian Jim Davidson. No really, Swapping adult humour for light-hearted family entertainment, Davidson will be joined by Dean Park who will enjoy his 30th year playing the panto Dame. Decorating gurus Colin and Justin will also appear, taking a break from DIY to play the Merry Men.

10.Snow White at The Shaw Theatre, London, 13 December 2010 — 3 January 2011

A classic fairytale, Snow White is one of many pantos heading to the big city this year and it wouldn’t be the same without at least one soap star in the cast. Hitting the stage this yuletide is Madeline Duggan who plays Lauren Branning in EastEnders. The young actress will lead the cast as Snow White alongside Nicole Faraday as the Wicked Queen. Faraday has also enjoyed parts in Bad Girls and Casualty.

A host of pantomimes are taking place all round the country this year, so why not get in the festive mood and enjoy an evening of old-school entertainment. With many big-name stars making panto appearances, this is a great time to see your favourite performer live on stage.

The stage star is currently two places above X Factor’s Joe McEldery’s debut album which is at number 20. Paige’s album — entitled Elaine Paige and Friends — features duets with 14 of her favourite musical performers including John Barrowman, Barry Manilow, Idina Menzel, Olivia Newton-John, and Neil Sedaka. Produced by Phil Ramone for Rhino/Warner Bros Records, the album is available to buy from Amazon for £8.99.

In a statement Paige said: “I am delighted with this album. I have been waiting for 20 years for this opportunity to work with the legendary Phil Ramone. He really is a true magician in the recording studio. And being able to sing with some of my idols, people I have admired for years, brought out the fan in me; it was an absolute pleasure!”

The complete track listing for Elaine Paige and Friends includes:

• 1. Mi Morena, duet with Jon Secada
• 2. Take a Bow, duet with Idina Menzel
• 3. The Prayer, duet with Barry Manilow
• 4. Just the Way You Are, duet with Paul Anka
• 5. Closest Thing to Crazy, duet with LeAnn Rimes
• 6. Where Is the Love, duet with John Barrowman
• 7. It’s Only Life, duet with Sinead O’Connor
• 8. You Are Everything, duet with Billy Ocean
• 9. It Might Be You, duet with Johnny Mathis
• 10. Amoureuse, duet with Olivia Newton-John
• 11. All The Way, duet with Michael Bolton
• 12. Thank You For Being a Friend, duet with Dionne Warwick

Look at his lovely face, Barrowman FTW!

Ladies and gentlemen, prepare yourselves for some rather brilliant news; John Barrowman is to appear on Strictly Come Dancing’s Christmas special.

Yes, dear readers. The Barrowman, the wonderful, wonderful Barrowman is going to show off his silky smooth dance moves on Strictly, on Christmas day no less! He’ll be joined by a host of inferior celebrities including Fern Britton and an as-of-yet-unnamed dance partner.

The Torchwood star seemed delighted about this addition to his already busy Christmas schedule, saying: “I’m ecstatic – I’ve watched Strictly since the first series. I am looking forward to the challenge as it’s so different to any of the dancing I’ve done in musicals. But more than anything I am so looking forward to the costumes. I can guarantee this — there will be sequins.”

A host of delectable and extremely talented males have sent women (and some men) into a frenzy with their acting ability (and of course a bicep or two) and for this reason it is only fair to pay homage to our top ten West End hunks.

Mr Schofield, a silver fox with killer jazz hands.

1) Phillip Schofield

First up is silver fox Phililp Schofield, a loveable TV presenter well-known for co-hosting This Morning. A fabulous singer and actor, Schofield enjoyed a long run as Joseph in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (1993- 1995) and went on to tour with the world-famous show for two years. He can appear on stage again any day of the week!

2) Lee Mead

The winner of Any Dream Will Do, Mead starred as the hero in Andrew Lloyd Webber‘s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. The handsome, and of course talented, actor took to the stage in little more than a loincloth — flashing his abs to the world. Whoever sat in the stalls and saw a close up of his perfectly toned torso was very lucky. Mead is now starring as Fiyero in the smash-hit musical, Wicked. Book now to see this hunk in action!

3) Ben Richards

Ben Richards has strutted his stuff on stage many a time, playing roles such as Grease’s Danny Zuko. The handsome actor, well-known for playing PC Nate in The Bill and Justin in Holby City, is a pleasure to admire (I mean watch) be it on stage or TV. Starring as drag queen Tick in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert from 1 June, Richards will take over from Jason Donovan. All credit to Richards, as he prepares to take the stage in high heels and some pretty extravagant dresses.

4) John Barrowman

Who doesn’t love a bit of Barrowman? The guy is a legend! A flamboyant guy, Barrowman starred as cross-dresser Albin in the West End production of La Cage Aux Folles. A spirited and enthusiastic actor, Barrowman is also well-known for appearing in Doctor Who and starring in its spin-off series, Torchwood. He has also got a very beautiful voice and when he sings it is like heavenly angels serenading us. True story.

Oh Barrowman...

Ramin Karimloo is the star of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom saga. He played The Phantom in the original show before transferring to Love Never Dies the musical playing in the West End. A dark, tall, and handsome stud: Karimloo is well cast as the mysterious and haunting man in the mask.

6) Duncan James

The ex-Blue singer has enjoyed a successful run in Legally Blonde the Musical playing heartbreaker Warner. A worldwide star and a huge hit with pretty much everyone, James was fantastic on the West End stage alongside Sheridan Smith. The gorgeous singer turned actor leaves the show in a couple of weeks with fans eagerly awaiting his replacement. His shoes will be hard to fill but let’s hope the new guy is just as easy on the eye.

7) Simon Webbe

The West End is ever-changing and as Duncan James gets ready to leave Theatreland, former bandmate Simon Webbe prepares to make his West End debut. The dashingly handsome singer will star as gangster Shank in Sister Act The Musical from 31 May 2010, swapping the charm of his boy band days for more underground activities . Book now to see Webbe’s bad side.

8 ) Noel Sullivan

A talented singer, Noel Sullivan rose to fame on the reality TV show Popstars, which formed the band Hear’Say. A good-looking guy, Noel has come far since his wannabe pop-star days and has since landed a prime West End role. A charismatic actor, Sullivan is currently stunning audiences as bad boy Danny Zuko in Grease.

Hello, Boys!

9) Mark Rylance

A spectacular actor, theatre director, and playwright, Mark Rylance is a man of many talents and is currently starring in comic play La Bete in the West End. An impressively versatile performer, Rylance has appeared with the Royal Shakespeare Company several times and in 1995 became the first artistic director of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. A dashing and stylish guy, Rylance’s smile and dimples are enough to melt the heart of most.

10) Daniel Boys

Daniel Boys, who rose to fame in the BBC series Any Dream Will Do alongside Lee Mead, has since starred as Princeton/Rod in the controversial show Avenue Q (2007-2008). A sweet-looking guy with a dazzling smile, Daniel Boys is great on stage and we hope he returns to the West End soon!

There are so many gorgeous and talented men in the West End, book a theatre break now to see some of these hunks in action.

First, John Barrowman’s run as Zaza in La Cage Aux Folles has come to an end. No more will we have to have those endless circular debates about whether or not he looks too young and handsome to play a faded drag queen in a seedy nightclub. No more will we have to muse upon whether or not we agree with Barrowman’s own words, “I know Jerry Herman, and I know Jerry said when he wrote the songs and when they were working on it he had in mind someone in their mid-forties.” And perhaps more crucially, no more will we have to put up with random mad Barrowman fans applauding his every move, making him corpse, and haranguing him at the stage door.

And second, the Wicked show fangirls can have a very merry Christmas knowing that their beloved Kerry Ellis will be back in the West End next year. She’s taking over from Jodie Prenger as Nancy in Oliver! in March, which means that they can just hang around the Theatre Royal Drury Lane for a glimpse of their idol rather than stalking her across the web and through her home town, as I understand some deranged folk are wont to do. And our messageboards will no longer be clogged up with them plaintively begging, “Does ne1 no what Kerry is up 2 next?” and informing us, “I saw Kerry in the street 2day, she says she LOVES her fans LOL!”

So what will be the hot topics for 2010?

Perhaps whether or not Legally Blonde is a good show or not (and that one’s already kicked off with a vengeance)? Whether or not Hair should be bringing over an all-American cast (oh, and so has that)? Whether or not Andrew Lloyd-Webber is over-exerting himself with his quest for a new Dorothy and whether his talent searches have jumped the shark?

Anything else you predict we’ll be talking about in 2010?

I’ve been wondering, though, whether any of the original TV cast will be tempted to audition and tread the boards. Let’s assess the likelihood.

John Barrowman — Captain Jack
Well, he’s a West End leading man, as he likes to remind us, so any decent musical project would be considered, and he’s already confessed (to me, I should add) that he’d love to do a Torchwood musical. However, I have to rule him out simply because he’s so insanely busy he could only commit to three months in La Cage Aux Folles, even though he wanted to do more, and his diary is currently full for the next 18 months (seriously).
Likelihood of participation in Torchwood The Musical: 1/10

Eve Myles — Gwen
She’s a serious actress, you know, with a proper background at the RSC. Not sure of her vocal capabilities, but she trained at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, so it’s likely she can sing a bit. But she’s heavily pregnant with her first baby, so I suspect she’ll not be keen to take on any stage commitments for the time being.
Likelihood: 2/10

Burn Gorman — Owen
He’s just finishing his run as Bill Sikes in Oliver! — not a brilliant singing part, but he’s shown a flair for melodrama and rhythm. He’s another one with a busy calendar ahead of him, though, which is apparently one of the reasons he’s moving on from the Theatre Royal Drury Lane.
Likelihood: 3/10

Naoko Mori — Tosh
Barrowman might try and style himself the musical theatre expert of the Torchwood team, but quiet little Tosh has a
glittering CV herself. She’s starred as Kim in Miss Saigon (with the Barrowman, actually) and Christmas Eve in Avenue Q. IMDB doesn’t have any projects listed for her in the immediate future, so maybe it’s worth the producers giving her a call?
Likelihood: 5/10

Gareth David-Lloyd — Ianto
They’re fairly clear that the lovely besuited teaboy won’t be brewing up at Torchwood ever again, so
Gareth David-Lloyd has time to diversify. He’s got a few TV projects on the boil, and is rumoured to be heading to the US shortly; maybe his arm could be twisted if the musical producers got their offer in early.
Likelihood: 4/10

It might even be worth writing The Doctor into the Torchwood musical somehow. After all, four of the most recent Doctors have recently had, or will very soon have, their names in lights outside major playhouses.

David Tennant did his Hamlet thing to great acclaim; Christopher Eccleston was the sinister banker in A Doll’s House at the Donmar; Peter Davison is about to letch all over the gorgeous Sheridan Smith as Professor Callahan in Legally Blonde; and Sylvester McCoy’s been on the lengthy tour of Little Shop Of Horrors as Mushnik.

Anyway, if you were at the helm of the Torchwood musical and the original TV cast were off limits, who would you want in your
production?