Who's on this year's Royal Variety Performance?
ITV confirms lineup for 2024 extravaganza!
Amanda Holden and her on-screen "TV husband," Alan Carr, are teaming up to host the Royal Variety Performance 2023, marking the return of the iconic show to the majestic Royal Albert Hall in London. The event will take place in the presence of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, promising a dazzling evening filled with music, theatre, comedy, and variety.
This year’s lineup features an array of star-studded performances. Sydnie Christmas, winner of Britain’s Got Talent, will deliver an award-winning performance accompanied by Dave Arch and the Royal Variety Orchestra.
Elton John and David Furnish will present a show-stopping number from their new musical, The Devil Wears Prada, starring Vanessa Williams. Fans of musical theatre can also look forward to an exclusive medley from Cameron Mackintosh’s upcoming production of Oliver! and a jaw-dropping performance by the cast of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Starlight ExpressThe evening’s musical highlights include performances by Eurovision winner Nemo, treble Brit Award winner James Bay, and disco queen Sophie Ellis-Bextor, who will sing her latest hit alongside her classic "Murder on the Dance Floor."
Celebrating their 50th anniversary, legendary magicians and comedians Penn and Teller will perform a special act for the Royal audience. Joining them is presenter and magician Stephen Mulhern, who promises an incredible illusion.
The variety continues with a world-exclusive performance from Cirque Du Soleil, celebrating 40 years, showcasing a number from their Vegas show Ovo. The English National Ballet will grace the stage with the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy from their Nutcracker production.
Comedy lovers are in for a treat with stand-up performances by Ellie Taylor (Ted Lasso), political comic Matt Forde, award-winning Scottish comedian Larry Dean, and writer-comic Scott Bennett.
A particularly poignant moment will come from Lorraine Kelly and her Change and Check Choir, led by Marti Pellow, who will perform "Love Is All Around" to mark its 30th anniversary and raise awareness of breast cancer early detection. The choir is made up of women from across the UK who discovered their cancer through Lorraine’s campaign.
The team behind the hit The Play That Goes Wrong will debut a sneak peek of their upcoming West End show, The Comedy About Spies. Rounding out the evening, American actress and singer Marisha Wallace will deliver a show-stopping performance and lead the National Anthem, accompanied by the Fanfare Trumpeters of the Band of the Welsh Guards.
Alan Carr shared his excitement, saying:
"I am completely thrilled to be asked back to host the Royal Variety Performance so soon, what a compliment and an honour! To be able to host this magical evening with my best friend and TV wife Amanda Holden is the icing on the cake for me. If I have half as much fun as I did three years ago, well, we are all in for a real treat."
Amanda Holden added:
"It truly is such an honour to be hosting the Royal Variety Performance this year. I’m still pinching myself! This is a dream job, and Alan is a true friend; we are already bursting with ideas and excitement. It’s going to be such a fun night! I’ve worked on Britain’s Got Talent for 18 years and have been so proud watching all our winners perform for the Royal Family. This year will be no different, so in the words of Sydnie Christmas, let’s ‘av it!”
The Royal Variety Performance is staged in aid of the Royal Variety Charity, which provides care and assistance to those in the entertainment industry. This year, the charity is launching a new initiative to support those facing mental health challenges.
Catch the show this December on ITV1 and ITVX.