‘The show really can go on!’ Prince Charles delivers ‘heartfelt’ video message as he praises the ‘talented’ artists who have come together to take part in The Royal Variety performance
- Prince Charles, 72, delivered message at start of the Royal Variety Show tonight
- Told show will provide vital support for workers affected by ‘challenging times’
- Added he was delighted that thanks to everyone involved, ‘show really can go on’
The Prince of Wales delivered a special message praising the ‘talented artists’ taking part in The Royal Variety performance – adding that their dedication proves the show ‘really can go on.’
This year, the variety show, which was hosted by Jason Mansford, took place at the Blackpool Opera House in the Winter Gardens Complex, but due to Covid-19 restrictions, featured a ‘virtual audience’ rather than the usual filled auditorium for the first time in its history.
In a video message played at the start of tonight’s ITV show, Prince Charles, 72, said: ‘Ladies and Gentlemen. The Royal Variety Performance is the world’s longest running entertainment show and a unique British tradition stretching back more than one hundred years.’
He recalled the first Royal Variety Performance in 1912, attended by his great-grandfather King George V and great-grandmother Queen Mary in aid of the Royal Variety Charity, which raises funds to support struggling entertainers and theatre workers who had ‘fallen on hard times.’
Prince Charles (pictured), 72, praised the ‘talented performers’ at the beginning of The Royal Variety show which aired on ITV at 8pm tonight
This year, the variety show, which was hosted by Jason Mansford (pictured), took place at the Blackpool Opera House in the Winter Gardens Complex – but featured a virtual audience
Charles continued: ‘Today, that mission could hardly be more relevant, as this year’s show will provide vital support for workers who have been affected by these extraordinarily challenging times.’
‘On behalf of the Patron of the Royal Variety Performance, Her Majesty the Queen, I can only send the most special and heartfelt thanks to all of tonight’s incredibly talented performers who have come together in the splendid surroundings of the Blackpool Opera House to entertain, to inspire and, above all, to help those in need.
And while, very sadly, we may not be able to gather as we usually would, I am delighted that, despite all adversity, the determination and dedication of everyone involved means that the show really can go on.’
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.
Returning to the North after nine years, the show proved to be an unforgettable evening of exceptional performers, world class British theatre and superb comedy, along with some exciting surprises.
The Prince of Wales (pictured) recalled the first Royal Variety Performance in 1912, attended by his great-grandfather King George V and great-grandmother Queen Mary in aid of the Royal Variety Charity
The royal (pictured) told how this year’s show will provide vital support for workers who have been affected by these ‘extraordinarily challenging times’
2020’s stellar line-up included the inspirational and much-loved Captain Sir Thomas Moore, who captured the nation’s hearts with his fundraising efforts during the pandemic.
He joined forces from his home for an exclusive performance with legendary singer and entertainer Michael Ball who was on stage at the Opera House with the NHS choir to perform their chart-topping anthem ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’.
Plus, there was a special solo appearance by British superstar Gary Barlow.
The evening also herald the welcome return of musical theatre with an exclusive performance from the award-winning Sheridan Smith as Cilla in the heart-warming and spectacular Cilla The Musical and a mesmerising exclusive from Frozen the Musical starring leading lady Samantha Barks.
Also taking to the stage with a specially composed and heart-warming performance was musical comedian and Britain’s Got Talent 2020 winner Jon Courtenay.
Presenter Jason Manford said: ‘After appearing at the Royal Variety Performance three times since 2009, it is an honour and a privilege to be hosting the show this year. It’s been a hugely difficult year for everybody, so I hope that for a couple of hours on a cold Winter’s night in Blackpool, we can take people’s minds off things and do what us Brits do best; have a laugh.’
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