Special guests announced for Richard Curtis' Christmas Actually
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...
Last updated 15th Nov 2023
Senbla and Roast Productions in support of Comic Relief are delighted to announce the initial lineup for Christmas Actually a brand-new festive show curated by Richard Curtis at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall from 7th - 11th December 2023.
The Christmas extravaganza will be hosted by Jayde Adams (Greatest Days, Alma’s Not Normal, Strictly Come Dancing, BAFTA nominated Snackmasters) and Sanjeev Bhaskar OBE (Yesterday, Unforgotten, Goodness Gracious Me, The Kumars at Number 42). The first special guests announced today are Olivier award-winning musical theatre star Miriam-Teak Lee (&Juliet, Hamilton, On The Town) and musical comedy duo Flo & Joan (Flo & Joan: Alive on Stage; Amazon Prime, Live at the Apollo, BBC2). Much loved Christmas classics featured in the show will include ‘Christmas, Baby Please Come Home’, ‘White Christmas’, ‘My Grown Up Christmas List’ and ‘All I Want For Christmas.' The ensemble performers will be Marc Antolin, Elizabeth Ayodele, Stephan Boyce, and Jamie-Rose Monk.
Unfolding against a beautiful backdrop of live illustrations from some of the world’s most well-known artists and illustrators, the evening will feature some of the finest Christmas classics performed by a live band, powerful real-life stories and moving poetry brought to life by the multi-talented cast.
Through a partnership with Comic Relief, Christmas Actually is using the power of entertainment to help raise funds for the charity during the festive period.
Richard Curtis said: 'I hope this will be the perfect Christmas show: noisy and emotional, and full of surprises and jokes with some proper celebrity sparkle. And I know it will help support brilliant projects changing people’s lives, both in the UK and around the world, 365 days a year.'
To buy tickets you can visit the Southbank Centre website. With a percentage of ticket sales going to Comic Relief to support projects changing lives across the UK and around the world.
Have a look at 10 Christmas films to get you in the Christmas spirit:
10. Arthur Christmas
Ever wondered what Santa Claus' family history is? Well, this film reveals all! The animation might interrupt a more child based audience but come on who isn't still a child at heart?
We are. And, Arthur Christmas hits you right in the heart watching this wonderful warm tail. If you are wanting a fun magical film to get you in the spirit this is the one.
9. Home Alone
Now, the great thing about Home Alone is that there is not just one film, there is five! YES, five films! On serious note who has really seen three, four and five? If you are in the mood to keep the festive feelings going though you have five action packed, full of mischief and comedy Christmas films in one here, you are sorted.
8. The Polar Express
How would you react if you woke up to a huge magical train outside? We wouldn't be able to contain our excitement! The Polar Express is just full of magic and if you are looking a for something for the whole family this is one for you. Also, does anyone else think the train driver looks exactly the voice actor Tom Hanks?
7. Die Hard
Right, lets settle this once and for all…does Die Hard count as a Christmas film?
Well, we have taken this film into consideration because it's definitely not your usual Christmas film. If you're sick of the usual Christmas film and want something a little different, then this is a good shout. Besides, who doesn't love a young Bruce Willis squaring up against Professor Snape?
6. Office Christmas Party
Surely everyone can relate to this film as the excitement of the Christmas work do's are just around the corner, they're arguably more exciting than Christmas itself...too far?
If you need some inspiration for your Christmas party, well, this is the film to go to – it's in the name! You'll be rolling around on the floor laughing at some of the stuff they get up to in this film, though we do feel sorry for the person cleaning up after, but the messier the party, the better, right?
5. The Holiday
You are defo going to need lots and lots of tissues for this one, just thinking about the film brings a tear to our eyes.
The Holiday is such a beautiful, heartwarming film full of love; and what more could you want at this time of year? Who else is seriously jealous of Kate Winslet's characters' cute cottage? Or are you more the LA mansion type?
4. Daddy's Home 2
This is a more recent Christmas film, but it's sure to become a classic in years to come, with it's hilarious take on Christmas.
If you're wanting a laugh then this is a must – we guarantee it'll knock your Christmas socks off, not that we're wanting to make your feet cold, but this film's worth it and something for the whole family.
3. The Grinch
Does anyone feel that the older they get, the more they can relate to the Grinch? Urm yes. It's defo worth watching this film or even watching it again, and you'll totally understand where we're coming from, it'll crack you up.
2. Love Actually
Get the tissues out, you are going to need them for all those joyful tears. Love Actually is such a feel good and warm film that sprinkles the right kind of magic and love at this wonderful time of year. If this sounds like a bit of you, then what are you waiting for...?
1. Elf
Elf is an all-time classic and we would recommend watching this not just once over the festive season, but at least three times.
We guarantee that you will laugh harder each and every time. This film has a mixture of laughs, love, and care – and come on, let's be real, we all know that at some point in our lives we've wanted to try Buddy's specialty spaghetti with a sweet twist. If you are in the mood for good vibes and good laughs then Elf is the Christmas film for you.
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