November 30, 1912 was the date of the first Royal Variety Performance, also known as the Royal Command Performance.
Attentive readers know that this writer is no fan of monarchy and pretty hard on those who succumb to the siren call of royalty. I won't jump down that rabbit hole today, but I will stipulate that of COURSE one aspect of that culture that interests me is this annual British ritual. There are aspects of it that I love. The idea of a nation having a single annual variety show, in which is presented the very best performers (theoretically) that the nation has to offer. It's a wonderful showcase and a celebration of national pride, though I do imagine that much like the Oscars, Grammys, Tonys and so forth the distinction is often political rather than merit-based. The event is to raise money for charity. The idea of a "Command Performance", in the UK or any of the European monarchies has always rankled me a little. Theoretically it's an honor to be asked, but its also more like an order. It's like being drafted, albeit for a single day. Magicians in particular, have always prided themselves on being summoned to perform for the nobility. It's Fairy Tale stuff, and I understand its charms without approving of it.
Earl performers in the show included the cream of British music hall, people like David Devant, Harry Lauder, Cecilia Loftus, Anna Pavlova, George Robey, and Vesta Tilley. Some of the more famous performers (out of hundreds) have included Laurel and Hardy and The Beatles. The latter played the show 60 years ago this year -- it's the occasion when John Lennon raised eyebrows by quipping "Will the people in the cheaper seats clap your hands? And the rest of you, if you'll just rattle your jewelry".
The most frequent venue for the show over the decades has been the London Palladium. As soon as it became practicable the show has been broadcast live for the British public to enjoy. The televised version also inspired a kind of weekly spin-off, Val Parnell's Sunday Night at the London Palladium.
Americans have also been invited to perform in the Royal Variety Performance. The headliner in tonight's show at Albert Hall for the newly crowned Charles III is Cher!
Get the whole official history of the Royal Variety Performance here.
For more on variety history, please see my book No Applause, Just Throw Money: The Book That Made Vaudeville Famous; and keep an eye out for my upcoming Electric Vaudeville: A Century of Radio and TV Variety.
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