Looking For a Panto Treat? – Head to Hackney Empire

So after much anticipation, the Bajan singer’s debut collection for high street brand River Island finally took to the catwalk for all to see.

And while there were no fireworks, the earth didn’t move and no major fashion boundaries were broken, I can safely say the controversial star, who is never out of the headlines, can rest assured she’s created a collection that stays true to her own personal style.

With streamlined silhouettes, both tight-fitting jersey and flowing summer dresses, jumpsuits and the obligatory midrift bearing tops – as well as a couple of see-through items – everything gracing the catwalk was something you could picture Rihanna wearing herself.

I’m not sure, being in my 30-something years, I’m the the target audience for the collection, but love or hate Rihanna (I’ve personally gone from loving her to finding her on/off situation with Chris Brown totally annoying) – even I would be happy to buy one or two pieces from the collection.

It was also nice to see Rihanna having some support from the ‘celebrity world’, with everyone from model-of-the-moment Cara Delevingne, Jaime Winstone, V V Brown, The Saturdays’ Rochelle Humes and Mollie King, sitting front row. And the likes of Made In Chelsea’s Rosie Fortescue and Proudlock having to stand with the regular people (slient snigger) to watch the show. But there were cheers all round when a shy-looking Rihanna took to the stage to stand with models wearing her designs.

The collection hits the stores next month in March and then it’ll be up to the public and the sound of the cash registers to decide on its success…

What’s that you say? A Disney animation exploring racism while being both witty and hilarious?

Well, surprisingly Zootropolis manages to do exactly that with characters voiced by the likes of Jason Bateman, Ginnifer Goodwin, Idris Elba, J K Simmons and Octavia Spencer.

In short, the film is about the determined Judy Hopp (Goodwin) who battles to become the first ever rabbit police academy graduate before teaming up with Nick Wilde (Bateman) to investigate a series of incidents that threaten the city of Zootropolis, where creatures of all types have – up until now – lived together in harmony.

My little one loved the way the two main characters bounced off each other and laughed out loud on several occasions during the film. Even a slight scare, which made half the cinema jump, wasn’t enough to mar her enjoyment.

We watched a special preview screening of the animation in Leicester Square, joined by VIPs – David Haye, Vanessa Feltz, Linda Robson, Sinitta and Jenni Falconer – and their children.

Judging from the round of applause as the film ended, Zootropolis is set to be a hit with both adults and children alike – as the content was covered with the seriousness needed for the themes explored, but at the same time, the relationship between the characters ensured it was a fun watch.

With the start of the summer holidays, I don’t envy the working mum who has to somehow juggle full-time work with young children looking to be kept animated for seven days each week – luckily, with my little one still at the age of three I can find some comfort in the regular opening hours of the nursery!

And so, the launch of Tickety Toc’s very first toy range could not have come at a better time – and to top it off, taking place in the toy heaven that is Hamleys on Regent Street.

Tommy and Tallulah, stars of the show which screens on both Nick Jr and Channel 5’s Milkshake, were there in all their (bigger than) life-sized glory to greet the VIP testers, who included Denise Van Outen joined by husband Lee Mead and their daughter Betsy.

Other VIPs enjoying a day out with the family included Tamzin Outhwaite, John Sergeant, Laila Rouass, Lauren Crace, Charlie Condou, Shaun Dooley and Luisa Zissman.

The children were all smiles as they joined in with the activities and dancing led by Channel 5’s Milkshake! presenters Kemi and Olivia.

While the obvious point of conversation was the fact that Van Outen and Mead were pictured out together for the first time in months, helping to put to bed rumours of marriage problems – I took the opportunity to chat to TV presenter Kate Garraway and see if she had any tips about the joys of juggling.

Mum to Darcey, seven, and William, three, 45 year old Garraway gave a wry smile when I asked for her words of wisdom.

‘Like alot of parents out there these days I do rely on my own parents – their grandparents – who help to look after the children when I’m working, but when it comes to summer, everyone, even my parents want to take their holidays, so I’d definitely advise people to plan, so no-one gets left in the lurch’.

The Tickety Toc toy range is available from a range of retailers including Argos, Smyths and Amazon and include talking Tommy and Tallulahs, a Clockhouse playset, and a musical Pufferty train, with prices ranging from £6.99 to £30.

With a voice cast boasting the likes of Rob Schneider, Heather Graham, James Corden, Bill Nighy and Colm Meaney, it’s no surprise a crowd of VIPs and their children braved the cold to enjoy a Sunday morning screening of latest Lionsgate offering Norm of the North.

Singer Una Foden stepped out with her three year old mini me, daughter Aoife Belle – the pair clad in matching denim ensembles.

Other celebrities taking part in the ‘fun in the foyer’ activities included Cherry Healey, Justin Lee Collins and former X Factor contestants The Brooks, before TV presenter Kate Garraway introduced the film to a packed screening room at London’s Empire Leicester Square cinema.

In the film Schneider voices a dancing polar bear who can speak to humans, tasked with saving his Arctic home from property developers.

My six year old enjoyed the film but a big part of that was probably due to the soundtrack – which included Walk to the Moon’s catchy Shut Up and Dance – rather than any riveting storyline.

While the animated offering is not on a par with Disney’s Frozen which is of course loved by children and adults alike(!), I did find myself sniggering at some of the jokes. And judging from the reaction of children at the screening, they also seemed to find the film amusing.

Norm of the North hits UK cinemas on March 18.

www.normofthenorth.co.uk