Royal Variety Performance marks 100th anniversary

THE Royal Variety Performance has marked its 100th anniversary with a show in front of The Queen at London’s Royal Albert Hall.

Host David Walliams arrived on stage as James Bond, complete with jet pack. Girls Aloud, One Direction, 2012 Britain’s Got Talent winners Ashleigh Butler and dog Pudsey, and Sir Bruce Forsyth were among the British artists. Kylie Minogue, Alicia Keys, Neil Diamond and Andrea Bocelli were among the international stars.

The performance of song, comedy and skits began with mezzo-soprano Katherine Jenkins singing the National Anthem. She also later performed with classical superstar Placido Domingo. Jenkins, appearing at her fourth Royal Variety Performance, said: “It’s an honour. It does make you nervous when the Queen is watching you. You want to do your best.” Girls Aloud sang

Tarbuck first appeared at the Royal Variety Performance in 1964. “It’s a great honour to be asked,” he said during rehearsals.