The Royal Variety Performance announces star-studded line-up featuring The Greatest Showman exclusive, James Blunt and Idina Menzel

The Royal Variety Performance is set to deliver a spectacular night of entertainment, with an exclusive television preview of The Greatest Showman, music from The Celebrity Traitors star James Blunt and a special appearance from Broadway and Wicked legend Idina Menzel among the highlights of this year’s show.

Returning to the magnificent Royal Albert Hall in London, the world’s longest-running entertainment show will take place in the presence of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla, in support of the Royal Variety Charity.

Comedian, actor and presenter Jason Manford will take the reins for the third time, marking his sixth appearance at the prestigious event and placing him in the company of entertainment greats including Tommy Cooper and Ken Dodd.

The performance will see King Charles III, the sole Patron of the Royal Variety Charity, joined by Queen Camilla, who will attend the event for the first time as Queen.

Among the evening’s major musical highlights will be a TV world exclusive and sneak preview performance of ‘The Greatest Show’ from the highly anticipated West End musical The Greatest Showman, offering audiences an early taste of the production.

Idina Menzel, the original Elphaba, will also fly in from the United States to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Wicked. She will perform ‘The Wizard & I’, joined on stage by the musical’s acclaimed composer Stephen Schwartz.

Music fans can look forward to performances from Brit Award winner and Celebrity Traitors star James Blunt, alongside legendary singer and actress Vanessa Williams, who will deliver her massive hit ‘Save The Best For Last’.

The line-up will also feature Jack Savoretti, making his Royal Variety debut, rising British music star Mulaa Joans and Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli. Bocelli will make an exclusive appearance to mark 30 years since he first became an international superstar.

Adding to the theatrical celebrations, the cast of Billy Elliot the Musical will perform the acclaimed number ‘Electricity’, ahead of the production’s return to the West End and 21 years after the stage musical first opened.

Musical theatre fans can also expect a surprise-filled performance featuring cameos in a specially re-written version of ‘For Now’ and ‘It Sucks To Be Me’ from the outrageously funny musical Avenue Q.

Meanwhile, a supersized medley from the current hit revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s classic Jesus Christ Superstar will be led by Sam Ryder.

The evening will showcase extraordinary international talent, with The Ramadhani Brothers and head balancer Veronika Ivanova making their European debuts. The performers, known for their breathtaking acrobatic circus show Cirque Alice, will bring their remarkable skills to the Royal Albert Hall stage.

Comedy will also play a major part in the festivities, with surreal comedian and Mock The Week star Milton Jones joining Phil Wang to provide plenty of laughs.

The award-winning musical Operation Mincemeat will bring together current and original cast members for a special performance, accompanied by the Royal Naval Association Choir, members of The Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines, The Band of the Irish Guards and the Band of the Welsh Guards Fanfare Team.

Tenor Alfie Boe will lead the National Anthem, bringing another musical highlight to an evening celebrating the breadth of British and international entertainment.

Speaking about his return as host, Jason Manford said: “What a huge privilege to be asked to host The Royal Variety Performance for a third time. It’s an amazing line up, in aid of a wonderful charity so I can’t wait for everybody to see what surprises we have up our sleeves this year.”

The Royal Variety Performance will be produced by Lifted Entertainment, part of ITV Studios, and will once again bring together some of the biggest names in music, comedy, theatre and live performance for a night supporting the Royal Variety Charity.

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