Captain Sir Tom Moore - Highlight of The Royal Variety Performance 2020

Captain Sir Tom Moore - Highlight of The Royal Variety Performance 2020

Nov, 23 2020


Since 1912 an annual event has taken place which has seen a series of comedians and singers take to the stage. It came to Blackpool in 1955 which at the time saw celebrated performers including Morecambe and Wise, Vera Day and George Formby.
 
It returned to the town’s Opera House venue in 2009 and made an out of town visit to Salford’s Lowry Theatre in 2011. 
 
For 2020 it is coming back home to Blackpool. It is of course The Royal Variety Performance. This year, however will be a unique experience because of the circumstances that dominated the year. 
 
The show  will see screens fitted in Blackpool Opera House to create an audience and the Prince of Wales will deliver a recorded message of thanks instead of attending.
 
Host Jason Manford sympathizes with the general public as he hopes the show will be an excellent source of escapism, 
 
"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."
 
One of the highlights will be when Michael Ball takes to the stage accompanied by Captain Sir Tom Moore via a video link to the very fitting track ‘You’ll never walk alone’. Tom’s story captured the hearts of the nation this year and his bravery is a testament to the strong character he represents. 
 
Here are some of the other show stoppers you can expect to see:-
  • Performances from Gary Barlow, Melanie C, Celeste and Steps.
  • Sheridan Smith and Samantha Barks from the musicals Cilla and Frozen 
  • A set from Britain's Got Talent 2020 winner Jon Courtenay
The annual event, which is the world's longest running entertainment show, is staged in aid of the Royal Variety Charity.
 
Charity chairman Giles Cooper explains the financial side of the event in this statement, 
 
“ Our organisation has worked relentlessly to enable the performance to go ahead and raise much needed funds. In 2020, our grants scheme has continued to operate throughout the United Kingdom, providing financial help for those from the world of entertainment, in all its forms. The Royal Variety Charity is proud to have been of assistance to those working in the industry during this particularly difficult year."
 
The show will be recorded in Blackpool on 29 November and will be screened on ITV in December.
 
^Alex Ashworth CCG Art Blogger