The Royal Variety Performance 2007
Sunday 9 December 2007 8:00pm - 10:30pm on ITV1.
Rock legends Bon Jovi and comedian Russell Brand join a galaxy of stars from the world of entertainment to light up the 79th Royal Variety Performance.
This year, Liverpool, the birthplace of many of Britain's greatest entertainers, has been chosen as the host venue. It's the year in which the city celebrates its 800th birthday and in January will become the European Capital of Culture.
Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, one of the greatest operatic stars of our time, jets in to give a one night only performance.
Also appearing on the Royal Variety Performance are Britain's Got Talent winner, and now international chart-topper, Paul Potts; singer songwriter James Blunt; pop singer and heart-throb Enrique Iglesias; American comedienne Joan Rivers; singer Seal, mezzo-soprano Katherine Jenkins and ballet dancer Darcey Bussell, Jimmy Tarbuck and Liverpool choir Sense of Sound.
Hairspray
And direct from London's West End, the cast of the hit musical Hairspray will be performing an extra special extract from the show.
Taking centre stage and presenting the Royal Variety Performance for ITV1 will be two of Britain's top television personalities, Phillip Schofield and Kate Thornton.
Phillip Schofield says: "As a huge fan of the Royal Variety Performance I'm very excited to be presenting the show this year alongside Kate Thornton. There is no other show that boasts such a diverse mix of acts and this year will be no exception."
Kate Thornton added: ""It's an amazing opportunity to be presenting this year's Royal Variety Performance with Phillip Schofield. It's a British institution that unites some of the biggest acts in the world for one night only and I am honoured to be presenting one of Britain's biggest shows.
Tradition
Hosting the show on Merseyside continues ITV's recently-established tradition of staging The Royal Variety Performance in cities outside London. Previous host cities include Cardiff, Edinburgh and Birmingham.
The star-studded spectacular will be produced by ITV Productions, producers of the highly successful 2005 Royal Variety Performance which drew a staggering audience of 9.5 million viewers, peaking at 10.5 million, one of the highest ratings of 2005.
This year's show promises an unforgettable evening of the best musical performers, show-stopping theatre, comedy and speciality acts as well as a number of spectacular surprises.
As is customary, the event is staged in aid of the Entertainment Artistes' Benevolent Fund, whose patron is Her Majesty The Queen. The money will help to maintain Brinsworth House in Twickenham, Middlesex, the actors' retirement and nursing home which is run by the EABF.
Thrilled
Laurie Mansfield, Life President of the EABF and one of the West End's leading theatre producers, said: "I'm thrilled that ITV will be continuing the tradition of taking The Royal Variety Performance out of London and to major cities around the UK and I'm particularly delighted that this year it will be Liverpool.
"The show continues to feature top class international acts alongside television newcomers and is undoubtedly the highlight in the show business calendar."
The 2007 Royal Variety Performance, commissioned by Guy Freeman, ITV's Controller of Music and Events, will be executive produced by ITV Production's Controller of Entertainment Mark Wells and Head of Entertainment Events Sue Andrew and produced by Glen Middleham.
Mark Wells said: "It's great to be going to Liverpool in 2007. Entertainment, like football, is in the city's blood and I know the Liverpool audience will make us feel very welcome for what is still the greatest night of entertainment in the year."
