Celebrating The Royal Albert Hall

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20111101Charles Hazlewood introduces this series on an iconic building - what he calls a 'great red blob' - the Royal Albert Hall in Kensington Gore.

He introduces a montage of some of the extraordinary performers who've graced the stage of this huge venue since it opened 140 years ago, in 1871, in memoriam to the love of Queen Victoria's life. Artists like the Rolling Stones, Frank Sinatra, Edward Elgar, Sir Malcolm Sargent, Billy Connolly, Sir Paul McCartney, Michael Ball and Mario Lanza. Charles also introduces some of his own favourites from the Hall, including a Shostakovich Symphony and some Siouxsie and the Banshees.

The history of the building is explored in the company of V&A design curator Abraham Thomas, historian Helen Rappaport and Jools Holland. There are also contributions from the Hall's chief executive Chris Cotton and Proms director Roger Wright.

Charles discusses some of the many spectaculars at the Hall and chronicles how various charitable organisations have found a home there for galas, including the Prince's Trust, Amnesty International and Music for Youth. Then there's choral music, the circus, fashion competitions, the Chelsea Arts Ball and some amazing music - from classical to jazz, choral to punk and heavy rock. Oh, and there's a bit of Sumo wrestling thrown in for good measure.

The story of how the Royal Albert Hall has entertained the world for 140 years.

Charles Hazlewood introduces this series on an iconic building - what he calls a great red blob - the Royal Albert Hall in Kensington Gore.

He introduces a montage of some of the extraordinary performers who've graced the stage of this huge venue since it opened 140 years ago, in 1871, in memoriam to the love of Queen Victoria's life. Artists like the Rolling Stones, Frank Sinatra, Edward Elgar, Sir Malcolm Sargent, Billy Connolly, Sir Paul McCartney, Michael Ball and Mario Lanza. Charles also introduces some of his own favourites from the Hall, including a Shostakovich Symphony and some Siouxsie and the Banshees.

The history of the building is explored in the company of V&A design curator Abraham Thomas, historian Helen Rappaport and Jools Holland. There are also contributions from the Hall's chief executive Chris Cotton and Proms director Roger Wright.

Charles discusses some of the many spectaculars at the Hall and chronicles how various charitable organisations have found a home there for galas, including the Prince's Trust, Amnesty International and Music for Youth. Then there's choral music, the circus, fashion competitions, the Chelsea Arts Ball and some amazing music - from classical to jazz, choral to punk and heavy rock. Oh, and there's a bit of Sumo wrestling thrown in for good measure.

The story of how the Royal Albert Hall has entertained the world for 140 years.

20111108Part Two of Charles Hazlewood looking back at how the Royal Albert Hall has entertained the world throughout its 140 year history. Located in the heart of London, it has attracted the biggest names in rock and pop, the first sumo tournament to be held outside of Japan in 1500 years and is, of course, home to the greatest classical music festival in the world, The Proms. With contributions from Sir Cliff Richard, Katherine Jenkins, Neil Sedaka, Tim Henman, Michael Ball, Ruby Turner, Eddie Izzard, Jeff Banks, John Bishop, Aled Jones, Hayley Westenra, Raul Malo, Alfie Boe, Russell Watson, Beverley Knight and Jools Holland.

Highlights also include... Harvey Goldsmith reveals how he convinced Cirque du Soleil to abandon their tent and take up residency at the Hall... Sir Michael Parkinson explains the mysterious disappearance of Sir John Mills one evening... Mike Batt and Jeff Wayne talks about why the Hall was a perfect venue for concert versions of their most famous albums... and former-cricketer turned musician Mark Butcher wonders if he is the only person in the world to have performed at Lord's and the Royal Albert Hall.

Continuing the story of how the Royal Albert Hall has entertained the world for 140 years.