Julie Andrews At The Royal Variety Performance (1977)

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Date: 21st November, 1977
Venue: The Palladium Theatre, London, UK


To celebrate Her Majesty The Queen's Silver Jubilee a Royal Gala Performance was arranged at the Palladium in 1977. For this special show Lord Bernard Delfont joined forces with his brother, Lew Grade, to create a programme with strong transatlantic appeal.

"Many of America's greatest artistes will be appearing in this unique Gala Performance" they said in their joint message in the programme, "in tribute and salutation, from the United States of America, to honour the 25th anniversary of the accession to the Throne by Her Majesty The Queen. Fittingly, along with the American artistes, British stars will be appearing."

It was a big show in every way, with a star-studded line-up and a projected running time of four hours - twice the length of any previous show. Bob Hope was the perfect choice to play host for a night of truly royal entertainment.

Stars abounded, both animate and inanimate. The Muppets were a great hit, along with names like Rudolph Nureyev, Tommy Cooper and Julie Andrews.

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Well-received as Bob Hope undeniably was, his performance did not pass without some criticism. One reviewer noted that while his apparent ease and langour came over well on television, the theatre audience's view was often hampered by his cue cards!

Source: https://www.royalvarietycharity.org/r...