The Queen’s Birthday Party line up of acts: Who’s performing in tonight’s live musical show?
On Saturday 21 April, Zoe Ball will present The Queen’s Birthday Party, an evening of celebration for Her Majesty The Queen at the iconic Royal Albert Hall.
The concert will air live on BBC One and BBC Radio 2 from 20.00 to 21.40 on Saturday 21 April.
Speaking ahead of the concert, Zoe Ball says: “I’m ridiculously excited to be presenting what must surely be the best birthday party ever! Tune in live to BBC One or Radio 2 for performances from a stellar line up, with a fantastic mix of songs we’re loving now, songs from classic musicals and swing favourites.
“There’s absolutely something for everyone. I can’t wait! We’ll make sure Her Majesty has a fantastic 92nd birthday and enjoys this ultimate celebration of music in her honour.”
The Queen’s Birthday Party line up of acts
Even more acts added to the line-up include soul and R&B artist and songwriter Laura Mvula; jazz singer and songwriter Jamie Cullum, and following his recent star turn on The Voice UK, 16-year-old Donel Mangena will perform.
They join the line-up of Sir Tom Jones, Kylie Minogue, Sting & Shaggy, Canadian pop sensation Shawn Mendes; South African vocal group Ladysmith Black Mambazo; chart-topping singer Anne-Marie and rapper and R&B star Craig David.
Performing much-loved songs from musicals Oklahoma!, My Fair Lady and Top Hat will be classically trained singer and Call The Midwife actor Helen George; Welsh star of stage and screen Luke Evans, and actor and 2008 Strictly Come Dancing champion Tom Chambers.
The concert will be attended by The Queen and many members of the Royal Family. It will take place at the end of the week in which The Queen will be hosting the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in the UK. This will be reflected and celebrated on the night, with some performances from artists from across the Commonwealth, and music from across the decades of Her Majesty’s reign.
The George Formby Society will capture the sound of the 1930s with a ukulele ensemble number; from the 1940s there will be musical numbers from Oklahoma!; superstar tenor Alfie Boe will celebrate the sound of Benny Goodman and the Swing era of 1950s and Sir Tom Jones will raise the roof with hits from the 1960s.
As well as their new collaboration, Sting & Shaggy will treat us to songs from the 1970s and 80s and South African vocal group Ladysmith Black Mambazo performing tracks from the 1990s. Craig David will present a medley of hits from the noughties to present day, and stars Anne Marie and Shawn Mendes will each bring things right up to date with their hits Ciao Adios and In My Blood.
A celebration of the music of legendary ukulele maestro George Formby will feature 40 players from the George Formby Society and some special surprise guests. And there will be a performance by The Dhol Foundation led by Johnny Kalsi – the UK’s most celebrated Punjabi Dhol drummer.
Many of the performers on the night will be accompanied by the BBC Concert Orchestra, conducted by Musical Director Steve Sidwell.
