The Royal Variety Performance Heads Back To Blackpool

The Royal Variety Charity has announced that the Royal Variety Performance 2020 will take place at the Blackpool Opera House, within the Winter Gardens complex, on Sunday 29th November.

This year, the charity has continued with its support of current members of the entertainment industry with a nationwide grants scheme, assisting some who have found this year a particularly difficult one.

Before Covid-19, it was only the top 4.8% of those working in the entertainment industry who earned above the average UK wage. The closure of many theatres, music and other entertainment venues meant many more people, including those who usually work ‘job-to-job’, have had to sought out assistance.

The Royal Variety Charity has continued to manage its own care home, Brinsworth House in Twickenham. 2020 has seen the demands and challenges of running Brinsworth increase exponentially, but nursing and care staff have continued their work in the home that provides care for retired members of the entertainment industry.

Mr. Giles Cooper, Chairman of the Royal Variety Charity said:

“The Royal Variety Charity is thrilled that the Royal Variety Performance will be held in Blackpool this year. We have worked relentlessly to ensure that we can produce a Royal Variety Performance in some shape or form to raise much needed funds at this critical time.

"We are honoured that His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales has recorded a message of support for our charity, which continues to assist those from the world of entertainment, both young and old, since our formation in 1908. 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”.

Due to the current national lockdown restrictions, Blackpool Opera House is not able to have a live audience, and all the artists and crew must observe social-distancing and other safety measures.

However, a virtual audience featuring key workers, including NHS staff from the Blackpool region and Royal Variety Charity supporters, will be able to see the show.

The theatrical show will be edited for broadcast on ITV1 two weeks later, and then throughout the world, including several Commonwealth countries.

This will be the third time the Royal Variety Performance has been to Blackpool, having previously been held there in 1955 and 2009, both times being attended by the Royal Variety‘s sole Patron, Her Majesty The Queen, and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh.