TODAY’S TELEVISION
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25
Royal Variety Performance ABC, 7.30pm
This very glam gala evening, held annually in the UK, is frequented by senior members of the British royal family – this year it’s Prince Charles and Camilla’s turn – and is all in the name of charity. Hosted by David Walliams, this year’s A-list line-up of performers includes Lady Gaga, Bee Gee Barry Gibb, Sting and Take That alumni Gary Barlow and Robbie Williams. Also on the bill are Cirque du Soleil, the cast of a couple of West End musicals and a few comedy acts. It’s the perfect entertainment to lie on the couch and watch after stuffing yourself with that a Christmas feast.
Queen: From Rags To Rhapsody ABC2, 8.30pm
Marking the 40th anniversary of the release of Queen’s epic song Bohemian Rhapsody, this documentary digs into the British rock band’s early days, charting their journey from pub band to becoming the writers and performers of one of the greatest songs of all time. Told by band members Brian May and Roger Taylor, it features previously unseen interviews as well as footage of the Bohemian Rhapsody recording sessions. While it’s a fairly standard tale of success, it’s one that fans of Queen’s work will certainly enjoy.
MOVIE: Black Hawk Down 7MATE, 10.40pm, MA15+ (2001)
An exhausting display of pyrotechnics and palpable heroism is at the heart of this acclaimed military saga from Ridley Scott (Gladiator, American Gangster). The factual story tells of the bloody events involving elite US soldiers who were trapped in a hellish stand-off in the Somalian city of Mogadishu in October 1993. The very macho cast includes Ewan McGregor, Josh Hartnett, Tom Sizemore and local boy Eric Bana, who gets all the juicy lines. Directed and edited with blistering efficiency, it impresses most as an exercise in technical craftsmanship.
André Rieu: Christmas In London SBS, 7.30pm
There is something special about Christmas time in London – especially for those of us more used to spending this time of year sweltering down at the beach. From sparkling Christmas trees to beautifully lit streets, and going from frosty outdoors to rugged up and cosy inside, it has Yuletide spirit written all over it. The world’s favourite violinist, André Rieu, and his Johann Strauss Orchestra are indulging in the December mood with this festive concert featuring classics such as Jingle Bells and White Christmas plus other holiday-appropriate fare including Concierto de Aranjuez, Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah and Amazing Grace.