Pictured above: (l-r) Jayne Herritty of Calthorpe Estates, Fiona Alexander from University Hospitals Birmingham, and Ruth Pipkin from Rewired PR with Joanne Malin

Three trustees of Birmingham Hippodrome have launched a new networking group to bring together professional women from across the city in support of the theatre's Stage Appeal.

Leading Ladies will combine showbiz glamour with quarterly networking events at the UK's busiest theatre, and aims to raise over £5,000 for Birmingham Hippodrome's Stage Appeal.

The group will launch at a special black tie and tiara event on Thursday 30 August hosted by BBC WM's Joanne Malin, before enjoying the opening night of new musical comedy Top Hat, starring Strictly Come Dancing  winner Tom Chambers and West End star Summer Strallen.

Birmingham Hippodrome Development Trustees Fiona Alexander from University Hospitals Birmingham, Jayne Herritty of Calthorpe Estates and Ruth Pipkin from Rewired PR are behind Leading Ladies. 

Talking about the launch, Ruth Pipkin said: "The inspiration for Leading Ladies is to create a new, fun networking opportunity that will give professional women across Birmingham and the region a chance to make valuable business connections and enjoy the magic of the theatre, whilst supporting one of the city's iconic cultural institutions, Birmingham Hippodrome."

"We're set for a great first night and are delighted that Joanne Malin is joining us for the launch."

Tickets for the first Leading Ladies event at Top Hat on 30 August cost £55 and include the pre-show reception, show tickets and interval refreshments, with all proceeds going to the stage appeal.

To book your place at this prestigious black tie and tiara evening, email Sally Pennington at sallypennington@birminghamhippodrome.com or call 0121 689 3068.        

Top Hat is a brand new musical production based on the famous film of the same name. Top Hat runs at Birmingham Hippodrome from 30 August - Saturday 10 September 2011 prior to a West End run.