Gallery: Carols by Candlelight 2020
It was a socially-distant crowd-pleaser at the Bowl this Christmas.
- Published by David Knox
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- Filed under Coronavirus, News, Top Stories
Nine last night hosted a very different Carols by Candlelight in keeping with the challenges of 2020.
No audience was present, following a decision by Vision Australia, but producers cleverly ensured a social distanced choir gave performers someone to perform to. A massive video screen behind the orchestra, led by John Foreman, included childrens’ choirs and virtual performances from the likes of Jamie Cullum & Chris Sebastian.
Amongst the on stage highlights were Casey Donovan, Sylvie Paladino, the cast of Hamilton, Dami Im and Jess Hitchcock. Livinia Nixon, joined by Eddie McGuire, was particularly well-suited to the occasion. And a special mention to ‘Santa’s helper’ this year in the form of actor Mike Bishop.
Nine also used the occasion to unveil a host of new network promos.
While Carols by Candlelight always boasts the cream of the crop in talent, for my money this year Carols in the Domain had the upper hand in the technical department (ok, not that this is a competition per se).
Both events are repeated today with Carols in the Domain at 6am on Seven and Carols by Candlelight from 1pm on Nine.
Photos: Les O’Rourke
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- Tagged with Carols by Candlelight, Carols in the Domain
12 Responses
The Sydney /melbourne rivalry continues. The only way to settle this is a Greg /Marcia driving competion
just seen some of the cbc repeat, i really like Livinia, even Eddie was ok for him….right up until when they did the Hot Seat moment gag, so cringe-worthy *face palm*
Overall from what I saw of them both I reckon the Sydney one was better, cept for Casey Donovan who never fails to blow me away with that amazing voice. I’m in Melbourne, I’m not that invested in Christmas or carols nowdays that I would bother getting competitive about it, always thought that city rivalry was stupid anyway.
Yes, I agree David. As always, Carols by Candlelight has the better stars but Sydney definitely had better tech (no echo/very bad animation) and more entertaining hosts.
Way better than the Carols in the Domain this year. Massive congrats to everyone at 9 for a brilliant show.
I thought Carols by Candlelight was far better!
Was I the only here who found the carols to be a little boring? I kind of lost interest halfway through the night?
A typical Sydney response. It is always a competition for Sydney based commentators. For what it is worth I enjoyed Carols by candlelight much more
Merry Xmas from Melbourne!
I must admit I did enjoy both this year, but it does annoy me when Sydney based media organisations have to say that the Sydney one was better, if it is not a competition then why bother saying it at all.
I specifically said it wasn’t a competition…. every year I praise CBC, it was one year I thought CITD outclassed in some areas. Moving on.
Last night, I didn’t watch the CBC as I headed out to Xmas eve over dinner. I think Liv did a pretty good job with hosting the carols. Last year, Ally hosted carols with David Campbell, but this year DC couldn’t fly from SYD to MEL due to coronavirus cluster.
I thought both carols shows were really good this year, Sydney in particular benefited from hosts just hosting, rather than telling constant cheesy jokes and generally being cringe.
Melbourne – as someone who doesn’t live there, I always love seeing Livinia Nixon – sorely under utilised at Nine. I also thought that this year’s Santa segment was the best there has been for a number of year, Bonnie, Tim and Rob were great.
I imagine it’s tough producing shows like this under conditions like this year has presented, so well done to all involved, And, Merry Christmas to you David (and fellow TT readers).