Rumpus is back and better than ever.

Some of you will be able to cast your minds back and remember that last year Rumpus had the honour of hosting the International Archetype Championship, in which two timeless adversaries faced each other in glorous party-based combat. There was little doubt that Pirates would defeat Ninjas, but I think we were all surprised (and proud) at just how soundly we - sorry, I mean the Pirates - thrashed them pyjama-wearing cowards. We learnt a lot that day, for example: - you can't rap when you make no sound - monochrome went out of fashion back when Tokyo was Edo - only Ninjas and My Little Ponies try to win fights with stars. Anyway, let's move on.

This year, Pirates, as the reigning Champions, face a new, deadlier, more cunning and much camper adversary: PANTO! * We invite each and every one of you** wonderful creatures to choose a side. Will you rest on last year's laurels, cutlass in one hand, rum in the other hand, and a fine strapping Wench/Cabin Boy*** in yet another mysterious hand? Or will you join the ranks of the newcomers, and take your rightful place as the back end of a cow, a hairy Dame, or perhaps just show off your giant beanstalk? This will be a close one. Whilst Pirates have sharp cutlasses and mighty cannon, Panto has magic lamps, it has genies, it has suspiciously shapely male characters who wear an awful lot of tights, and, most importantly, it is very very accustomed to looking behind you. Will Blackbeard win, or will Widow Twankey take him to bed?

Helping celebrate this epic battle of Archetypes are the saltiest crews to have never set foot upon a bpat, and the finest dramatic casts ever to have pranced upon a stage! We have the fantastically wonderful Wonderland crew coming in to room our Middle Room. Not only do they run very fun events of their own, but they're also part of the Elysian Project - an outstanding night of al sorts of beats and capers. Expect a range of music from Funk to DnB, and a lot of silliness.

Expect seriously thunderous live bands such as BoBok and Victor Menace, and a truckload of stomping, stinking DJs. So, get planting your beanstalks and sharpening your cutlasses, for Rumpus rides again!

.................................................................................................................. COMPETITION: Win 1x Pair of tickets to attend Rumpus on 7th December . To enter the competition, send an email to katie at katie@run-riot.com with the correct answer in the ‘subject’ box. The winner will be randomly selected.

Q: In the traditional pantomime, what was Aladdin's mum's job?

A: 1)Laundress 2)Cook 3)Accountant 4)Dishwasher