Famous faces take centre stage
The nights are getting longer, the days are colder and Christmas is just around the corner. All those events, when added up, can only mean one thing – it’s time for the
The Royal Variety Performance 2023 (Sunday, ITV1, 8pm),
that cheerful annual jamboree that, in a way, takes us back in time to an era when variety shows were the height of showbiz sophistication. So, if you’re a fan of this cosily old fashioned form of entertainment, then this should be the highlight of your televisual year. King George V and Queen Mary were the royal attendees for the first show back on July 1, 1912. The King must have enjoyed it a lot because he said from then on he would attend an annual variety show provided the profits went to the Variety Artistes Benevolent Fund. It was later renamed the Entertainment Artistes Benevolent Fund, and is now known simply as the Royal Variety Charity. But one thing that hasn’t altered over the years is the fact it enjoys royal patronage. Unfortunately, the event didn’t take place for 16 years due to the World Wars and various periods of royal mourning, but for the past few decades, it’s been a mainstay in our calendars. This year’s shindig took place at London’s magnificent Royal time of year, although we’re promised several heartwarming performances, as host Bradley Walsh was quick to note: “I am so excited to be presenting this year's show. It’s been 30 years since I first performed at The Royal Variety Performance, so what an absolute honour to be hosting.The line-up is incredible and I can’t wait for you all to see what I have in store.” Cher headlines the evening, performing a track from her new Christmas album, and there’s also a 100th anniversary celebration of Disney to enjoy featuring the casts of West End hits The Lion King, Frozen, Aladdin, Hercules and Beauty & the Beast.