[Kerry]

the stars head to manchester for the royal variety performance 2011.



Award-winning comedian peter kay is to host the royal variety performance 2011 which will come from the birthplace of many of britain’s greatest entertainers, manchester. The lowry theatre in salford quays will play host to this gala evening in the presence of her royal highness the princess royal.


Peter kay will preside over the show which promises to be an unforgettable evening of the best uk and international musical performances, show-stopping theatre, comedy and speciality acts as well as a number of sensational surprises.


Tony bennett and barry manilow, two of the world’s biggest music superstars, will jet in especially for the royal variety performance to give a one night only performance.


Us x factor judge and former pussycat doll nicole scherzinger and us singer songwriter cee lo green take centre stage and light up this year’s royal variety performance.


The very best of british talent and an international galaxy of stars from around the world of entertainment line-up to appear on the show including:


Pop sensation pixie lott, britain’s got talent winner jai mcdowall, direct from vegas the masters of magic penn & teller, record-breaking classical phenomenon il divo, adam cooper and the cast of singing in the rain in an exclusive performance ahead of it’s opening in the west end next year, critically acclaimed comedians jason manford, greg davies and tim minchin.


The star studded spectacular will take place on 5 december and be screened on itv1 later that month. It will be produced by itv studios.


Laurie mansfield, life president of the entertainment artistes’ benevolent fund and one of the west end’s leading theatre producers, said: “i’m delighted and honoured that the royal family has remained hugely supportive of this show. This is an exciting year as it marks the first year of a new exclusive 10 year deal with itv and i look forward to working closely together.”


“the greatest artistes in entertainment have always featured on the royal variety performance and this year is no exception as the biggest acts in the world unite for one night only. There is something for everyone – a true royal variety performance.”


the manchester production continues itv’s tradition of staging the royal variety performance in cities and towns outside london. Previous shows have been hosted in blackpool, birmingham, edinburgh, cardiff and liverpool.


As is customary, the event is staged in aid of the entertainment artistes’ benevolent fund. The money will help maintain brinsworth house in twickenham, middlesex – the entertainers’ retirement and nursing home which is run by the eabf.

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