IPSWICH: A variety of talented performers wowed a full house at the Regent theatre last night to aid a worthy cause.

Over 1,200 packed into the venue to see the Star for a Night variety show in aid of the East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices’ (EACH) Tree House Appeal.

It’s hoped the show – which featured an ecclectic mix of 29 performers – will raise thousands of pounds for the appeal.

That money will go towards raising the �3million need to build a brand new state-of-the-art hospice in Ipswich.

Helen Duggan, from EACH, who helped to organise the show, said: “It’s been a fantastic night and I would like to thank everyone who turned up.

“Everyone seemed to love it and the audience gave a massive standing ovation at the end.

“Gerry Bremner, who performed as the tenor Il Tenore was outstanding, as was singer Craig Cathpole and youngsters The Candy Girls.”

Mark Fox, Suffolk Community Fundraising Co-ordinator for EACH, said the show could be held again in the future.

He said: “I’ve been so impressed with every one of the performers and the hard work of the organisers.

“The show has been a year in the making and every time they faced a problem they battled to overcome it.

“So far the appeal has raised about �300,000 so we’re ten per cent of the way and there’s a long way to go.

“But if the show’s a big success – which it looks like being – then we have thought about holding it again.”

A total of 29 promising performers battled through gruelling rounds of auditions over the past few months to take part in the show.

More than 400 singers, dancers and musicians have faced a panel of expert judges, including former Bee Gees backing singer Cheryl Halliwell, in auditions across the county, to win a place on the special stage.

The line-up included rock band Steel Pictures – made up of year 11 students from Hadleigh High School.

Fifty-three-year-old grandmother Tanyia Bailey – aka Tammie Rae – and youngsters The Candy Girls comprising nine-year-old Millie Zarkos and ten-year-old Emma Bird from Stowmarket.

n Did you got to the show and if so what did you think of it? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or send an e-mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk