The National Trust in Britain has reversed a decision to bar volunteers from public-facing duties at a Norfolk stately home if they refuse to wear rainbow sexual equality symbols.

We all just go along and enjoy the panto. But Jo Kerrigan finds out about some of the work that goes into the show when she goes behind the scenes at Cork Opera House

4/5

Another quiet week in cinemas with the biggest news definitely being the arrival of Steve Jobs. There's some horror in Ireland-shot The Hallow and some family drama stuff thanks to Fathers and Daughters.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is unsure if striker Daniel Sturridge will be fit enough to play again this season.

Save the Children has said a review into how a British nurse in a critical condition with Ebola had contracted the virus will “leave no stone unturned”.

Screening protocols for Ebola in the UK will be reviewed after a nurse being treated for Ebola in London was allowed to leave Heathrow even though she was tested repeatedly.

The British Government has defended its Ebola screening programme as it has revealed the British nurse now battling the virus was checked seven times at Heathrow Airport.

A nurse being treated for Ebola in London could be given blood donations from fellow survivors including Will Pooley in a bid to overcome the deadly virus, the government’s chief medical officer said.

It’s been a bumper year for pop hits, which Sleeping Beauty uses to full effect in a hugely enjoyable production that will entertain all three generations that usually make up panto audiences.

Carmen Ejogo looks feminine and relaxed in Vivienne Westwood at the New York premiere of Selma. 

PANTOMIME is not just for children. 

We have all the love for this woman - a worthy winner.

The death earlier this year of Cork Opera House panto stalwart Bryan Flynn has made for an emotional show for the cast and crew of Sleeping Beauty, writes Colette Sheridan

From the toe-tapping tunes in Peter Pan to Boyzone’s Keith Duffy as the Baddie in in Jack and the Beanstalk, we pick the best of the festive fun with Colette Sheridan

“Oh no he’s not” … “Oh yes he is!”

Questions have been raised about British Government plans to introduce enhanced screening for Ebola at major airports and terminals, after Gatwick said it knew nothing about the measures.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day tomorrow five successful Irish women tell Helen O’Callaghan about their female role models.

MAURA DERRANE is in good company. At 43, the RTÉ presenter is pregnant with her first child.

* At the UK premiere of The Lone Ranger, Johnny Depp rocked his trademark tinted glasses and jewellery but tried to sharpen his look up with a blue, three-piece Tom Ford suit.

Britain could become the first country in the world to permit babies to be born with three genetic parents by the end of next year.

More than 800 children visit their doctor every day due to the effects of being exposed to second-hand smoke, according to research published by the Royal College of Physicians in the UK.

THEY say the play’s the thing.

Louis Walsh "always" smells cigarette smoke on Tulisa Contostavlos' breath.

It could be the end of the road for the Dame who plays the Dowager in Downton.

A quarter of all toddlers are lacking Vitamin D, according to research in the UK.

HE’D never heard of “panto” until he arrived in Ireland, but Argentinean actor Marcus Bale will be wowing audiences playing a domestic appliance with a French accent this Christmas — and loving every minute of it.

A damning report has called for an overhaul of the North's prison system after finding it is wasting public money and failing to create a safer society.

Dominic Cooper tried to seduce Dame Helen Mirren when they worked on a play together.

Bright colours were dominant at last night's Oscars with Jennifer Hudson standing out in her orange dress.

Rapper Tinie Tempah leads the pack with four nominations at this year’s Brit Awards.

Weather-weary Britons battled ice and snow today to either get away for the Christmas break or to do last-minute shopping.

Katy Perry is planning to adopt her married surname of Brand.

Dame Helen Mirren caught Russell Brand touching her "boob space".

A public inquiry into a hospital bug outbreak in the North can provide a better understanding of how to cope with such infections in the future, its chair said today.

FRESH inquiries are being made into the death of Shirley Bassey’s daughter after the family of a convicted killer’s victim handed detectives fresh information.

ALEXANDER McQueen’s family gathered for his mother’s funeral yesterday just one day after the fashion designer killed himself.

THE world of fashion was reeling yesterday after the apparent suicide of “creative genius” Alexander McQueen.

Dame Helen Mirren sleeps as much as she can to stay young.

Scientists today reminded world leaders of the important role physics can play in understanding and fighting climate change.

Kate Winslet has reportedly dropped out of a planned movie on the lifestory of British designer Vivienne Westwood.