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The Independent DECEMBER 4, 2009 - by Charlotte Cripps

PARTY OF THE WEEK: WHO'S THAT GIRL? ANNIE HOLDS COURT

The Old Vic's artistic director, Kevin Spacey, sneaked into a star-studded musical tribute to Annie Lennox at London's Guildhall to surprise The Eurythmics singer straight after his nightly turn in Inherit The Wind.

He joined other guests at the top table including Stephen Fry, Brian Eno and Bob Geldof, who had earlier given emotional speeches about Lennox's humanitarian work. The singer was being honoured at the gala dinner with the Freedom of the City of London, in a fundraising event in support of the British Red Cross.

Lennox's two daughters were also there - Lola, eighteen and Tali, sixteen - and they enjoyed performances by both Noisettes and Little Boots before their mother performed five songs including There Must Be an Angel (Playing with My Heart).

The revelries began at 7pm when guests arrived at a champagne reception, with music by the Karelia String Quartet. Lennox arrived in a full-length leopard-print coat and wore a peacock-blue velvet dress.

Little Boots, otherwise known as Victoria Hesketh, was embraced by Lennox after she performed her 1995 hit No More 'I Love You's from the piano, while The Noisettes' lead singer, Shingai Shoniwa, barefoot on stage, wore a short black feather mini skirt to perform a rendition of Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This).

Lennox managed to walk straight past Spacey at the top table - but she couldn't help but notice as he leapt on stage to do a Bill Clinton impression.