and the birmingham hippodrome. a lot of theatres were looking at a very difficult future when thinking they wouldn't be able to do pantomime at all. and so this national lottery scheme now gives them a lifeline. the enterprise isn't without risk, it's possible audiences won't come or theatres might have to close again. but for those involved, it's a chance worth taking to provide a bit of christmas cheer to end a dismal year. will gompertz, bbc news. time for a look at the weather. here's sarah keith lucas. the weather has certainly taken a colder turn today with a mix of autumnal sunshine and heavy downpours. this was the picture a little bit earlier this afternoon. into the weekend we keep that colder feel to the weather some sunshine around but quite a lot of blustery downpours as well. through the rest of this evening and overnight we