SANDI TOKSVIG's CHRISTMAS CRACKER Plays Final Show December 24

Sandi Toksvig and Ronnie Corbett have announced the starry line-up from the worlds of comedy, music and magic, who will be joining them on stage for Sandi Toksvig'S CHRISTMAS CRACKER - a variety family show in the Royal FestivAl Hall for 10 days only this Christmas.

From her early days at The Comedy Store, to presenting children's programmes No. 73 and Gilbert's Fridge to her current position as the acerbic and witty chair for Radio 4's News Quiz, broadcaster, writer and comedian Sandi Toksvig is one of the UK's best-loved entertainers. While a host of star guests are yet to be announced, Ronnie Corbett will appear with Sandi throughout the run. Ronnie Corbett has been brought to the attention of a whole new generation with appearances on Ricky Gervais' Extras and as Bubbles DeVere's reluctant lover in Little Britain.

Directed by Fiona Laird, this is a Christmas cabaret at the Royal FestivAl Hall featuring an array of guest stars from the worlds of music, magic and comedy, including the legendary Ronnie Corbett. Hosted by queen of the quips Sandi Toksvig and a house band (members of Bellowhead) the show features festive sing-alongs and a hilarious romp through Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol written by Sandi Toksvig and a specially commissioned Christmas anthem by Fascinating Aida's Dillie Keane.

Says Jude Kelly, Artistic Director at Southbank Centre: "From Shirley Bassey's glittering shows in the late 1990s to Jarvis Cocker's all-star takes on Disney classics in 2007, the Royal FestivAl Hall has always had a touch of the Music Hall about it. Sandi Toksvig's Christmas Cracker is an un-ironic and unashamedly traditional celebration of all that's best about Christmas, proving that Music Hall-style entertainment is alive and kicking in the 21st Century."

Confirmed vocalists include:

Tue 15 - Maria Friedman
Wed 16 - Maria Friedman
Thur 17 - Sarah Connolly
Fri 18 - Denise Van Outen
Sat 19 - Barb Jungr
Sun 20 - Clive Rowe
Wed 23 - Barb Jungr
Thu 24 - Maria Friedman

Confirmed Scrooges include:

Tue 15 - Stephen Mangan
Thu 17 - Fiona Shaw
Fri 18 - John Humphrys
Sun 20 - Jon Snow
Thu 24 - Lionel Blair

Confirmed Choirs include: 

Dec 15, 16, 23, 24 - Voicelab
Dec 20, 21, 22 - London Gay Men's Chorus
Dec 17, 18, 19 - Diversity

The event plays from 15-24 December 2009 at the Royal FestivAl Hall, South Bank, London SE1. Tickets are £35, £25, £17.50, £15; Booking Fee: £1.45 (Members £0.00).  to book, contact the Southbank Centre Ticket Office at: 0844 847 9910 www.southbankcentre.co.uk

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