The Platinum Party at the Palace began with hilarious tea, as Paddington and the Queen shared jam sandwiches and a moment this country will never forget.
But how to overcome that? Somehow the party pulled it off, with Rod Stewart prancing around in pearls, Prince Charles talking about his ‘Mama’, Brian May strumming his guitar next to the statue of Queen Victoria, and even the charming Jason Donovan dusting off his role as José and wondering if some dream would do. . Speaking of which, can I go back to the beginning?
For more than two hours, the Platinum Party was the best of us, it was the worst of us, it was glorious and victorious, but also a little spurious. Who doesn’t love Diana Ross, but what was the Motown legend doing on top of a billboard celebrating HM the Queen and the best of Britons?
The drone show was the highlight, a joy from start to finish. It featured giant corgis, red heart confetti fluttering from a royal purse, a guards cruet in their bear skins, and a kettle pouring tea; the absurd but beloved pageantry of real life, highlighted in fairy lights across a velvety summer sky
According to the show’s host, Lee Mack, Miss Ross is “a royal favourite”. News for most of us! Including, one suspects, the Windsors.
Undeterred, Diana climbed aboard a monochromatic tulle teapot and glided across the stage in front of Buckingham Palace like a fabulous Dalek, one whose diamonds were visible in the far reaches of the Who universe. “I am full of admiration for you, Her Majesty,” she trilled herself, from one queen to another.
Another surprise act was Alicia Keys, who deftly managed her own lack of real connections and knowledge. “When I’m in London it reminds me a lot of New York,” she said, before launching into her smash hit Empire State of Mind. Sadly, this doesn’t celebrate the pink parts of the map or the Queen’s kingdom, but rather Alice’s hometown of New York City.
Still, it’s a great song and top marks to Alice for her magnificent royal cape.
However, there were wonderful moments that truly encompassed the best of British talent and creativity. The show was superbly designed and produced, while the world’s pounding backdrop made the heart sing. From the line of Union flags lining the Mall to the Palace itself, to the sunset over the London skyline, it was spectacular and beautiful.
Sir Rod appeared in person, Sir Elton from Windsor, but why not Sir Tom Jones? A particular pity because, even at 81, and tomorrow is his birthday, Tom’s vocal cords are like golden strings compared to Rod’s shattered tonsils.
The drone show was the highlight, a joy from start to finish. It featured giant corgis, red heart confetti fluttering from a royal purse, a guards cruet in their bear skins, and a kettle pouring tea; the absurd but beloved pageantry of real life, highlighted in fairy lights across a velvety summer sky.
Back to a lineup dominated by who wasn’t, rather than who was. Sir Rod appeared in person, Sir Elton from Windsor, but why not Sir Tom Jones? A particular pity because, even at 81, and tomorrow is his birthday, Tom’s vocal cords are like golden strings compared to Rod’s shattered tonsils.
Not Adele, not Madness, not Proclaimers, all of whom have sang their way into the hearts of the nation, but perhaps it all comes down to who’s ready, able and willing, and who’s in the naughty step. Speaking of which, William but not Harry, the anonymous drama of the night.
Who doesn’t love Diana Ross, but what was the Motown legend doing on top of a billboard celebrating HM the Queen and the best of Britons?
No matter what was happening onstage, what she craved was a Royal Box camera, obsessing over the thick soup of VIPs bubbling up in the seats behind the Cambridges. Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries experienced a bit of culture for once, Nicola Sturgeon turned greener than her home lawn as she was surrounded by so many merrily waving Union flags, so much British unity and pride on display.
In the end, it was a show that had to pack rock, rap, opera, hip hop, music, fashion, sports and royalty. It was never going to please everyone, but it was a solid night of entertainment.
“It’s a who’s who of the best twists,” said host Kirsty Young, whose return to the broadcast turned it into a major twist.
Source: www.dailymail.co.uk