Guildhall Young Artists and Guildhall alumni shine in the Royal Variety Performance

The talent of Guildhall Young Artists (GYA) students and Guildhall School alumni was on screen for all to see as they took part in the spectacular finale of the Royal Variety Performance 2025 at the Royal Albert Hall. 

The performance, which was broadcast on ITV on Sunday 21 December, culminated in a celebration of 40 years of Les Misérables. This was the largest act in the history of the Royal Variety Performance, with 400 performers.

This included a troop of 23 students from across the six Guildhall Young Artists (GYA) centres, as well as six Guildhall School alumni, performing with Ian Cape, the percussionist from the West End show. The finale also featured the London and Paris casts of Les Misérables as well as Michael Ball and Matt Lucas. The performance was nothing short of spectacular, and performers received a standing ovation from the entire hall, including Prince William and Princess Catherine. 

I’m incredibly proud of the professionalism and versatility of our Guildhall Young Artists and Guildhall graduates. This project introduced new challenges for the participants - from working with click tracks in the studio, to marching whilst playing across the iconic Royal Albert Hall. All of this was filmed for television in front of the Royal Family, in a sold-out venue, with an anticipated global audience of over 152 million. It doesn’t get bigger than this!

Spencer Down, Creative Director, Guildhall Young Artists

About the Royal Variety Performance

The world's longest-running entertainment show The Royal Variety Performance, returned to the Royal Albert Hall in London with acts including Jessie J, Britain's Got Talent Winner Harry Moulding and musical performances from the casts of Les Misérables and Paddington. The Royal Variety Performance is presented annually in aid of the Royal Variety Charity.

Images: ITV - The Royal Variety Performance 2025, and Justine Matthew.