It has been a tricky year for the performing arts, with the Covid-19 crisis forcing the closures of theatres, concert halls and cinemas, which for many take an integral spot in the run-up to Christmas.
While there is no substitute for the real deal, a star studded cast boasting Joanna Lumley, Stephen Fry and Benjamin Zephaniah are set to cheer up our festive season with a Christmas concert funding cancer nurses.
Premiering last night, the extravagant, one-hour Follow the Stars show in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support, is guaranteed to raise Christmas spirits better than a glass of fizz or a Home Alone movie marathon.
The show begins with Absolutely Fabulous actor and national treasure Joanna Lumley inviting people to join her in raising a toast to Macmillan Cancer Support, which this year goes online to reach a wider audience.
"Cheers sweeties, here is to a very merry Christmas", she says as she raises a glass.
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Joining Ms Lumley in the star-studded seasonal feast of festive greetings, music, poetry and children’s tales are a cast of much-loved familiar faces who volunteered their time to help the charity try to reach its target of £52,000.
The impressive line-up of celebrities includes Sinead Cusack (King Lear, V for Vendetta,), Stephen Fry (actor, writer, host of QI and so much more), Jeremy Irons (Watchmen, Red Sparrow and Brideshead Revisited), Max Irons (Condor, The Wife, The Riot Club), Toby Jones, (Uncle Vanya, the Detectorists), Greg Wise (The Crown, Military Wives, Sense and Sensibility) and poet Benjamin Zephaniah (Reggae Head, Library Ology, Talking Turkeys).
The concert is filmed partly in Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford and also at the homes of many of the celebrities – viewers will, for example, get the chance to marvel at Stephen Fry’s spectacular library.
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World-leading baritones Roderick Williams OBE and Christopher Purves sing The Three Kings and The Carol of the Field Mice, while North Oxford TV comedian, singer and presenter Alexander Armstrong’s young son, New College chorister Paddy Armstrong, sings solo In the Bleak Midwinter.
The presenter introduces all musicians.
The voices of the Oxford Bach Soloists, directed by Tom Hammond-Davies and supported by organist Steven Grahl, also perform Christmas-themed music.
Sinead Cusack, Stephen Fry, Jeremy Irons and Toby Jones read poetry and children’s tales.
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Their captivating performances are followed by Peaky Blinders actor and British writer Benjamin Zephaniah’s reading of his inspiring poem Talking Turkeys.
Macmillan is now offering the recording online. It is completely free to everyone until December 31, with the hope that viewers will support the campaign to raise funds for the charity.
Visit macmillan.org.uk/followthestars to find out more about how to watch the Christmas show.
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