ROYAL VARIETY PERFORMANCE

Marking the end of another decade, the year 2010 ends with a spectacular evening of music, comedy and theatre starring world famous acts on BBC Entertainment (Dstv Channel 120) as the annual Royal Variety Performance airs on New Year’s Eve (December 31) at 21h30 CAT.

Now in its 82nd year, the Royal Variety Performance is a gala evening attended by senior members of the British Royal Family and features the best in entertainment from around the globe. This year South African audiences will see a host of top acts perform from the iconic London Palladium and in the presence of their Royal Highnesses, The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall.

Jon Farrar, VP Programming EMEA, BBC Worldwide Channels said: “We are thrilled to be bringing this high point in the British TV calendar to South African audiences. This show has everything - laughs, drama, music, thrills, and, of course, some of the famous stars on television. We hope our viewers will enjoy it as much as their Royal Highnesses, The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall do.”

This year’s host is award-winning comedian Michael McIntyre (Comedy Roadshow, Live and Laughing) who will introduce a variety of famous acts in his own inimitable style.

Pop princess and Royal Variety favourite Kylie Minogue will perform her latest single Better than today, while international Jazz supremo Jamie Cullum also headlines. An all-star comedy line-up will raise the roof with hilarious routines. Acts include: John Bishop –the fastest selling stand-up comedian on DVD in the UK this year, Not Going Out star Lee Mack, Edinburgh Fringe Festival Best Newcomer, Sarah Millican; and new funniest kid on the block, Jack Whitehall.

A host of theatre's brightest stars will dazzle the royal audience with performances from Danielle Hope, the leading lady from The Wizard Of Oz, and Alastair Marriott from The Royal Ballet has choreographed a piece especially for the Royal Variety. More acts will be confirmed in the coming days.

The Royal Variety Performance is an annual charity event in aid of the Entertainment Artistes' Benevolent Fund. The 2010 Royal Variety Performance is a BBC Production and is executive produced by Antonia Hurford-Jones.