Royal Variety Performance unveils 2025 line-up – including Paddington The Musical and gigantic Les Misérables celebration

The Royal Variety Performance, which returns to the Royal Albert Hall in London, has confirmed its line-up.

This year, comedian, actor, and presenter Jason Manford takes on the role of host for the evening, which will take place in the presence of members of the Royal Family.

The world of musical theatre is represented by several appearances. There will be an exclusive performance from the cast of the new show, Paddington The Musical, which will be introduced by composer Tom Fletcher. The long-running production Les Misérables will deliver a finale to mark its 40th anniversary, featuring 400 performers, including Michael Ball, Matt Lucas, Katy Secombe, Bradley Jaden, and Killian Donnelly, alongside the West End and Paris casts, plus amateur companies from across the UK. The show will also be returning to the Royal Albert Hall next summer.

Further musical performances include Johannes Radebe and the cast of the forthcoming West End production of Kinky Boots performing a full number, and a special appearance from the cast of the Live Aid musical, Just For One Day, introduced by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure.

The bill also includes a guest appearance from Stephen Fry, currently appearing in a run of The Importance of Being Earnest in the West End. Making their British debut are the America’s Got Talent winners, Adrian Stoica and his border collie, Hurricane, who will perform a choreographed routine.

Also among the performers is Jessie J, who is scheduled to perform “I’ll Never Know Why” from her forthcoming album. Britain’s Got Talent winner Harry Moulding will present a magic illusion. The programme also features a performance from Madness, who will be making their debut appearance at the event, and a set from Grammy award-winner Laufey. Comedians Tom Davis and Mick Miller are listed to appear, as are the impressionist cast from the BBC series Dead Ringers.

The National Anthem will be led by opera star Katherine Jenkins.