The Royal Variety Performance 2017 arrives on ITV this evening – here’s all you need to know.
Queen of Comedy, Miranda Hart hosts this year’s show, in the presence of members of the Royal family. The event will come from the iconic London Palladium Theatre, which is hosting the event for the 41st time.
As always, The Royal Variety Performance promises to be an unforgettable evening of the best UK and international musical performers, extraordinary theatre and brilliant comedy as well as a number of surprises along the away.
Royal Variety Performance 2017 line up
Stars lined up to appear include the legendary Kelsey Grammer who will be performing, with his cast, an exclusive extract from the new musical Big Fish; plus The Killers, Seal, Louis Tomlinson, The Leading Ladies – Beverly Knight, Cassidy Janson and Amber Riley – and The Script, and Paloma Faith.
Also taking to the stage are, Britain’s Got Talent winner, pianist Tokio Myers; the West End casts of ‘Annie’ and ‘42nd Street’; the incredible Circus Abyssinia; Michael Ball and Alfie Boe; the mesmerising Cirque du Soleil plus comedy from Jason Manford and Tom Allen.
Miranda said: “If you don’t mind me I am just going to smash a glass ceiling and be the first woman to host the Royal Variety. That felt GOOD!
“It’s thrilling for me because of that, and because I am hugely proud to be part of such an important event in our comedy and variety heritage as the Royal Variety Performance.
“The young-wannabe-comedian me who watched the show every year, would be just as excited to hear that grown-up me is going to be hosting – only I’ll be doing it without the 1970’s pudding bowl haircut that made me look like a young male monk!”
The event is staged in aid of the Royal Variety Charity, whose patron is Her Majesty The Queen. The money raised from the show helps those people from the world of entertainment in need of care and assistance.
The Royal Variety Performance 2017 airs at 7:30PM TONIGHT, Tuesday, December 19 on ITV.