'Christmas Actually' announced by 'Love Actually' director

WASHINGTON (TND) — A popular Christmas movie from 20 years ago has inspired a new stage production by the film's writer and director Richard Curtis.

Curtis on Monday announced "Christmas Actually," a stage production that is not an adaptation of the movie "Love Actually." Rather, it will be a variety show to benefit "Comic Relief," a nonprofit that tackles poverty.

"Christmas Actually" will feature live music, comedy, poetry and live performances, all to benefit Comic Relief.

“We hope it’ll be a real chocolate box - or perhaps advent calendar - of delights,” Curtis told BBC.

Curtis will "curate" the show, saying audiences should expect a "noisy and emotional [night] and full of surprises and jokes, with some proper celebrity sparkle.

While the 2003 film is rated R, Curtis says "Christmas Actually" is an event that's "fun" for the whole family.

We hope to cram a wealth of wonder into 90 noisy minutes," Curtis said. "I suspect some members of the audience will go away with presents they weren't expecting; there'll definitely be some rowdy singing along and some unexpected famous people will pop up on the screens and even in person."

Those who want to check out "Christmas Actually" will need to get a passport and book a trip to London, where it will be shown.

Eight performances are scheduled between December 7-11 at the Southbank Centre's Royal Festival Hall.

In addition to "Love Actually," Curtis is known for the films "Four Weddings and a Funeral," "Bridget Jones's Diary" and "Notting Hill."

"I'm hoping that people will have a really great time - but also be part of supporting brilliant Comic Relief projects changing people's lives, at home and abroad," Curtis told the BBC.