According to The Stage, "JLA's Real Variety Show is known throughout the entertainment industry as being the best in the business.” It has uncovered dozens of stand-ups, musical comedians and visual acts from around the world, and provided an industry ‘premiere’ for the likes of Bill Bailey, Dara O Briain, Jimmy Carr, Michael McIntyre, Rob Brydon, Jason Manford, Rhod Gilbert and Kevin Bridges.
THE REAL VARIETY SHOW 2011
The nation's favourite satirist Rory Bremner hosted another bill of superb comic and cabaret talent which featured Tasmanian newcomer Hannah Gadsby's unique deadpan take on the world, and Mr B The Gentleman Rhymer introducing hip-hop and rave tracks to the Queen's English. The excellent Seann Walsh proved why he's likely to be a star of the future whilst The Horne Section demonstrated that jazz and comedy can work together especially with the addition of a man in a balloon in the shape of Bruce Airhead. Up-and-coming star Imran Yusuf and the wry Simon Evans supplied more comedy of the highest quality and Nathan 'Flutebox' Lee combined flute playing and beatboxing to create something truly original.
LOCATION Cadogan Hall, Chelsea
DATE SEPTEMBER 19 2011
THE REAL VARIETY SHOW 2010
With Alistair McGowan playing host, this year's bill includes Ian Moore,Canadian one-liner merchant Stewart Francis and Geordie favourite Sarah Millican - alongside masterful sets from Micky Flanagan and Terry Alderton. There's also hilarious hip-hop improv from Abandoman, breathtaking hip-hop dance from Boy Blue, 'oom-pop' from Oompah Brass and unbelievable a capella from The Magnets. Many of the 860 organisers and producers in the crowd at Cadogan Hall said this was the strongest ever Real Variety Show - who are we to disagree?
LOCATION Cadogan Hall, Chelsea
DATE SEPTEMBER 20 2010
THE REAL VARIETY SHOW 2009
Mock the Week’s Hugh Dennis introduces a bevvy of talent. The new wave of stand-up is represented by Jon Richardson, Jack Whitehall, Kevin Bridges and Alun Cochrane. Meanwhile Strictly dancers Fortuna and Rihanoff defy gravity, whilst James Rhodes and The Red Hot Chilli Pipers add flawless musicianship.
LOCATION Cadogan Hall, London
DATE SEPTEMBER 21 2009
THE REAL VARIETY SHOW 2008
Rob Brydon, star of Gavin & Stacey, hosts the 17th Real Variety Show and pays tribute to fellow Welshman Tom Jones – with the help of Far From Kansas. The line-up includes Manchester’s Jason Manford and the Samuel L Jackson of the comedy circuit, Reginald D Hunter. This year’s top of the bill is the legendary Italian performer Ennio Marchetto, who thrills the Cadogan Hall audience with ‘living cartoons’ of everyone from Mona Lisa to Amy Winehouse.
LOCATION Cadogan Hall
DATE SEPTEMBER 15 2008
THE REAL VARIETY SHOW 2007
Michael McIntyre and Frankie Boyle, two rapidly rising comics, demonstrate consummate skill in front of 850 event producers and organisers. Bruce Airhead takes the balloon act to new heights. Celloman shows supreme cool, and Lenny Henry struts his stuff with Poor White Trash; but the evening belongs to the Australian shadow puppeteer Raymond Crowe, who reprises the Wonderful World routine that made him a worldwide sensation on YouTube.
