2025, Royal Albert Hall

The 2025 Royal Variety Performance was a particularly special year which received not one, but three standing ovations, and recorded record profits for the Royal Variety Charity.

Comedian, actor and presenter Jason Manford, was welcomed back as Host, having previously only hosted the 2020 virtual show in Blackpool, during the covid pandemic. He was a huge hit with the audience who loved not only his hosting skills, but his specifically written Panto routine that included guest appearances from Su Pollard, Sinita, Christopher Biggins, Gladiators, and Lesley Joseph!

Katherine Jenkins OBE led the National Anthem, as Their Royal Highnesses The Prince & Princess of Wales, entered the Royal Variety Royal Box for the sixth time.

The show began with an exclusive performance from the eagerly anticipated Paddington The Musical introduced by composer Tom Fletcher.

Westlife made a surprise appearance with a medley of hits from their 15 Number One singles, and Jessie J performed a particularly poignant and personal song, ‘I’ll Never Know Why’, taken from her upcoming album, and one that told the story of a friend she had lost from suicide. It was a very moving performance that resonated well with the Royal Variety Charity's support of those suffering from mental health issues.

National treasure Sir Stephen Fry made a guest appearance, hot off the stage from the West End production of ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ and the first half was closed with an extract from Just For One Day, the Live-Aid Musical and included special introductions and appearances from Sir Bob Geldof, Midge Ure, Roger Taylor & Gary Kemp, plus ITV News Journalist Michael Buerk, recounting his news piece that brought the plight of the Ethiopian famine to the nation's living rooms and included a very special appearance from Dame Claire Bertschinger, the nurse he had interviewed in Ethiopia back in 1984. Quite rightly the show received a Standing Ovation, including from Prince William and Princess Catherine.

One of Britain’s most successful and best-loved bands, Madness, make their debut appearance, with a medley of hits, which received the second Standing Ovation of the night.

Spectacular, magical illusion from Britain’s Got Talent winner Harry Moulding included a pre-filmed segment from within Buckingham Palace and comedy from comic-legend, Mick Miller, brought the house down!

The incomparable and award-winning impressionist cast from the hit BBC series ‘Dead Ringers’ were a particular favourite of the Royal Guests, most especially their impressions of Donald Trump and Teresa May!

A show-stopping finale from the multi-award-winning musical Les Misérables, saw 400 performers take to the stage including Michael Ball, Matt Lucas, Katy Secombe, Bradley Jaden and Killian Donnelly, along with the West End and Paris casts, plus amateur companies from all over the UK, to perform a phenomenal medley celebrating the show’s 40th anniversary. It was an extraordinary spectacle in the Royal Albert Hall, with the aisles filled with performers and flags being flown from the Grand Tier Boxes. It very deservedly received the third standing ovation of the night!

FULL LIST OF ARTISTS FROM THE 2026 ROYAL VARIETY (in alphabetical order)

Host: Jason Manford

Adrian Stoica & Hurricane, Airfootworks, Band of the Welsh Guards, Cameron Mackintosh, Christopher Biggins, Dr. Ranj Singh, Dead Ringers (Jon Culshaw, Jan Ravens, Lewis Macleod, Duncan Wisbey), Gladiators: Diamond and Giant, Harry Moulding (winner of BGT), Jessie J, Just For One Day - Live Aid musical (including special guests Sir Bob Geldof, Midge Ure, Michael Buerk, Roger Taylor, Gary Kemp, Dame Claire Bertschinger), Katherine Jenkins OBE, Kinky Boots - the musical, featuring Johannes Radebe, Laufey, Les Miserables - 40th celebration - (including Michael Ball, Matt Lucas, Katy Secombe, Bradley Jaden and Killian Donnelly), Lesley Joseph, Madness, Mick Miller, Paddington - the musical, Sinitta, Sir Stephen Fry, Su Pollard, Tom Davis, Westlife.

OFFICIAL SHOW BROCHURE: