Birmingham Hippodrome Evening of Variety to Honor Ian Sandy, May 12

A host of celebrities and artistes from the world of theatre, comedy and music will come together on Sunday 12 May 2013 at 7.30pm at Birmingham Hippodrome for a special and unique evening of entertainment in honour of the late Ian Sandy.

SUNDAY NIGHT AT THE BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME will see a line-up of artistes who worked with Ian Sandy, who had a long association with Birmingham's theatre scene, come together in aid of Ian's favourite charities: Cancer Research UK, Help Harry Help Others, Macmillan Cancer Support, Midlands Air Ambulance and RSPCA.

Ian was widely known for his association with Birmingham Hippodrome's annual pantomime as company manager for Qdos Entertainment. During his twenty two pantomime seasons at the theatre Ian Sandy worked alongside a galaxy of stars, many of whom paid tribute to Ian following his untimely death in December.

The line-up for SUNDAY NIGHT AT THE BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME includes stars who have appeared in the Hippodrome's pantomimes including Birmingham favourite Brian Conley, the hilarious Joe Pasquale, leading ladies Lesley Joseph & Lynda Bellingham, ventriloquist Paul Zerdin, and TV favourite Basil Brush!

The bill for this unmissable evening of entertainment also includes panto veteran Don Maclean, Ceri Dupree, Kathryn Rooney and Birmingham's favourite raconteur and comedian Malcolm Stent, along with Jeffrey Holland, Nigel Ellacott, Andrew Ryan and Martin Ramsdin. Ian Sandy's theatre school, BSS Showbiz, the Birmingham Stage School and the Hippodrome Dancers & Orchestra add a touch of glamour to the evening.

Stuart Griffiths, Birmingham Hippodrome's Chief Executive said: "As Company Manager for our pantomime seasons for over twenty years, Ian was a very close friend of the theatre, much loved by the team here. The Sunday Night show we're proud to host will be a great tribute for a true professional who will of course be much missed by everyone who knew him."

SUNDAY NIGHT AT THE BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME is staged by Qdos Entertainment which presents Birmingham Hippodrome's annual pantomime. Nick Thomas, Chairman of Qdos Entertainment, said: "We are honoured to have been asked to produce this special event in celebration of Ian's life. He was very much part of the Qdos pantomime family and his outstanding contribution to the world of entertainment will be sadly missed. SUNDAY NIGHT AT THE BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME is a very fitting evening of entertainment which Ian would have approved of immensely."

Tickets for SUNDAY NIGHT AT THE BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME are priced at £25 (with discounts and concessions) and can be booked on 0844 338 5000 or online at www.birminghamhippodrome.com. All artistes appear subject to availability.

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