Soprano Katy Lees takes us deep inside her extraordinary journey of survival following a devastating cancer diagnosis and sings the arias that gave her strength.
There will be a collection after the show for Mesothelioma UK.
In October 2006, married and with two young children, Katy Lees was handed a terminal cancer diagnosis: she might have months but probably weeks left. Eighteen years later Katy shares her story with us, how she and her family coped, the traditional and alternative treatments she explored, the swell of support and kindness she encountered and the music that sustained her.
An acclaimed soprano, Katy sings the following arias that had particular meaning for her:
~Sola, perduta abbandonata from Manon Lescaut by Puccini
~Glitter and be gay from Candide by Bernstein
~Dove sono i bei momento from The Marriage of Figaro by Mozart
~Pace il mio Dio from La Forza del Destino by Verdi
~Casta Diva from Norma by Bellini
Katy Lees
Katy Lees/Tansey is a singer, singing teacher and choir director. As a singer she toured extensively in Europe, North America and the UK. After cancer diagnosis and treatment interrupted her career in 2006, she realised that her true vocation lay in helping others to discover their own potential and love for music and singing. In true reciprocity, seeing others enjoy their singing encouraged Katy to explore singing and performing again. She started studying with Charlotte Xerri at Voice Your Potential and with Amy Phillips at First Act. Breathe is a culmination of what she has learnt over the last 19 years and is dedicated to anyone trying to make lemonade out of lemons.
Amy Phillips
Amy Phillips is a Director, Theatre Practitioner, Writer and Actress. She has worked extensively in theatre, television and film over a 30 year career. Amy has been the Artistic Director of the Lantern Arts since 2018. Her Lantern directing credits include: The Crucible, Our Town, A Bunch of Amateurs, Harvey, Hay Fever, Treasure Island, Blue Stockings, Hey Kid Hey Goat (also at the Riverside Studios) and Christmas pantomimes Treasure Island and Jack and the Beanstalk (which she also wrote). Amy also runs our popular adult acting course ‘First Act’.
Amy is thrilled to be working with Katy Lees on Breathe, a singer she has long admired, even more so now she appreciates her extraordinary courage and humility.
Your Visit
Lantern Arts Centre, Tolverne Road, London, SW20 8RA
Food and Drink
Light refreshments will be available beforehand. Please note alcohol is not permitted on site at any time.
Accessibility
The Lantern Arts Centre is accessible by wheelchair-users and people with restricted mobility. Lifts are available for studios on the first floor, and there is two disabled toilets on the ground floor. When booking please add any requirements in the accessibility requirements section.
Cloakroom
There are no cloakroom facilities for storing bags and coats at the Lantern Arts Centre.
Ticketing
Concessions: over 60, unwaged, children under 16yrs and students. We offer complimentary tickets for carers accompanying those with disabilities - please contact us for details. Once you have booked your seat you will be emailed your e-ticket which will be scanned upon your arrival to the venue. If you are unsure about booking seats please call 020 3761 7070.