Star Studded: Best of British mark 100 years of Royal Varieties

Some of the biggest names in British entertainment joined a host of international stars to put on a performance fit for a Queen and mark 100 years of the Royal Variety Performance.
By The Newsroom
Published 20th Nov 2012, 06:00 BST

The Queen, who wore a dazzling bias cut, beaded and silver mesh lace evening dress designed by Angela Kelly, was accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh at last night’s peformance. The couple are celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary today.

Singer Katherine Jenkins got last night’s celebratory show at the Royal Albert Hall underway, performing the National Anthem as the royals took their seats for the annual showcase.

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In an echo of the summer’s Olympic opening ceremony, host David Walliams entered the hall on a jet pack, accompanied by the James Bond theme, before congratulating the Queen on her Diamond Jubilee, and introducing the first act.

Walliams said he was honoured. “It is a show that I have watched every year from a very young
 age, and never dreamed I would be one day be a part of it,” he said.

Music stars who took to the stage included One Direction, Kylie Minogue, Robbie Williams, Placido Domingo and Girls Aloud, while comedians Rhod Gilbert and Bill Bailey kept the audience laughing.

Comedian Jimmy Tarbuck introduced a series of comedy clips from past Variety Performances.

The star-studded spectacular is due to be broadcast on ITV1 on December 3. All proceeds will be donated to The Entertainment Artistes’ Benevolent Fund.

Related topics:David WalliamsQueen