Ian Stroughair Presents
Voices United
Rubies for our Angels
An evening of music in honour of
40 Years of St Leonard’s Hospice, York
7.30pm on Friday 18th July 2025 at the Grand Opera
House, York.
Ticket link: https://shorturl.at/G3qhV
As St Leonard’s Hospice celebrates its Ruby Anniversary this year West End performer and international multi award winning Cabaret star Ian Stroughair is uniting York’s finest performers and stars from the West End to raise money for a cause that is extremely personal.
You might know Ian as the UK’s Queen of live vocal drag, Velma Celli. Ian has appeared in West End productions of Chicago, Cats, Fame and Rent and as Velma he is still the only person ever to appear in Eastenders as “Themselves” in a very special guest appearance performing a gig in the Queen Vic!
The hospice cared for Ian’s mum Pauline in her final days battling cancer.
He says: “It was so difficult when my mum was ill, but the staff at the hospice provided a level of care that was above and beyond. They gave us the space and freedom to spend those precious last days by Mum’s side in such a warm and supportive environment.”
By a sad coincidence, Ian’s close friend Sarah Walker’s father Peter died at the hospice just three weeks before Pauline. Retired policeman Peter was better known as writer Nicholas Rhea, whose Constable series of books were turned into the hugely popular TV series Heartbeat.
Sadly, Sarah was back at the hospice just a few months later: “What my sister Tricia thought was a stomach bug turned out to be an aggressive form of cancer. She died in St Leonard’s five weeks after being diagnosed, and just eight months after Dad.”
Ian and Sarah produced a live steam kitchen concert in 2020 to help support the hospice and always strive to help in any way they can.
Ian came up with the idea of a charity show after learning that St Leonard’s receives just a quarter of its annual running costs from the NHS. The other six million pounds has to come from fund raising.
“All of the artists and musicians are donating their time and talent for free, none of us are taking a single penny, so as much money as possible will go directly to the hospice,” says Ian.
Sarah Atkinson, Community and Events Manager at St Leonard’s adds: “We’re really excited about the upcoming Voices United evening at the Grand Opera House as we celebrate our 40th anniversary. We’re deeply grateful to everyone involved, those performing, organising, and supporting the event. The compassionate care we provide at St Leonard’s Hospice is only possible thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, and we very much appreciate the continued support. So book your tickets for a glittering evening of entertainment and join us in celebrating both the talent and spirit that make our work possible.”
The ‘Voices United: Rubies for our Angels’ show will take place at 7.30pm on Friday 18th July 2025 at the Grand Opera House, York. Tickets prices range from just £20 and upwards making this fabulous event affordable for all! There will be other opportunities to donate on the evening too!
Featured artists:
Ian Stroughair, Jessica Steel, Stuart Allen, Jo Theaker,
Jonny and the Dunebugs, and stars of the West End to be
confirmed.
The evening will be hosted by Stroughair, Joanita Musisi from
BBC Radio York and Laura Castle from york mix Radio!