An all-star line-up

Press, 2 June 1982, Page 22

An all-star line-up

The best.of British pop and a .distinct case of the French connection were the twin themes set before the Queen and a distinguished audience at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, in London, for the Royal Variety Performance, 1981. Presented by Louis Benjamin, in aid of the Entertainment Artists’ Benevolent Fund, the lavish stage entertainment was directed by Norman Maen. Jon Scoffield was executive producer of the television ’ production, which will be screened on Two on Sunday at 7.25 p.m, An all-star line-ujo of pop names traces the history of British pop music: Cliff Richard'and the Shadows,-Adam and the Ants, Acker Bilk, Lulu, Lonnie Donegan, Donovan, the Searchers, Alvin Stardust and Marty Wilde. This segment is introduced by Tim Rice who, as lyricist with Andrew. Lloyd Webber, was responsible for some of the most exciting musical events of the 1970 s — “Joseph and the Amazing technicolour Dreamcoat,” “Jesus Christ Superstar,” and “Evita.” Andrew Lloyd Webber, whose most recent work is .'• : ''■ -X ;

the extraordinarily successful “Cats,” introduces a segment of his own music: his brother Julian, - a cellist, plays “Variations”; "Cats” leading lady, Elaine Paige, sings the show’s hit song, “Memories,” and Elaine’s successor in the London production of “Evita,” Stephanie Lawrence sings “Buenos Aires.” The. French connection demonstrates that entente cordiale is alive and well: the world-famous Moulin Rouge in Paris closed for the first time anyone could remember so that the CanCan dancers (16 girls, 11 men) could fly to London to appear before the Queen. The delightful French actress, Leslie Caron, introduces the Can-Can dancers and the French songstress, Mireille. Mathieu. In addition, the case of the smash-hit musical, “One Mo’ Time,” perform a medley from the show which has itself found enthusiastic support from British royalty. In this tribute to black performers, other participants include Precious Wilson, Kenny Lynch, Pattie Boulaye, Pearly Gates and the Clark Brothers.

The Cambridge Buskers and the Pearly Kings and Queens provide an introduction for Anita Harris’s rendition of “Burlington Bertie.” \ The 1981 show is the fiftysecond. “What we have done,” said the presenter; Louis Benjamin, "is to update nostalgia. There is over £ 1 million worth of talent on stage. But to put d true value on a show such as this, in which all the artists give their services and rearrange their schedules to appear, is impossible to calculate. Two' world wars, for instance, failed to close the Moulin Rouge. Bt they are closing for this special tribute to the Queen.” Providing comic relief are Dickie Henderson, Mike Yarwood and Suzanne Danielle, whose Prince and Princess of Wales sketch is one of the show's highlights.