Some of Britain’s best-loved comedians are coming together for The Royal Variety Performance 2026, with a huge line-up of comedy and musical entertainment announced.
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Royal Variety Performance Confirms Major Comedy Stars
Jason Manford will return to host the event for the third time, while comedians Milton Jones and Phil Wang will also take to the stage to provide plenty of laughs.
The star-studded show will take place at London’s Royal Albert Hall, with King Charles III and Queen Camilla in attendance.
Musical theatre fans are in for a treat, with an exclusive first television performance of “The Greatest Show” from the upcoming West End production of The Greatest Showman.
Original Wicked star Idina Menzel will perform “The Wizard and I” alongside composer Stephen Schwartz, celebrating 20 years of the hit musical.
The cast of Billy Elliot will perform “Electricity”, while Sam Ryder will lead a special medley from Jesus Christ Superstar.
There will also be performances from Avenue Q, featuring surprise celebrity appearances, and Operation Mincemeat, bringing together original and current cast members alongside military bands and singers.
Britain’s Got Talent winners The Hawkstone Farmers’ Choir will also take to the stage, alongside acrobatic performers The Ramadhani Brothers and head balancer Veronika Ivanova from Cirque Alice.
Alfie Boe will lead the National Anthem with the annual event raises money for the Royal Variety Charity.