Strictly's La Voix honoured by hometown exhibition

22 hours ago

Jim Scott,in Stocktonand

Eve Connor,North East and Cumbria

News image — The exhibition featuring some of La Voix's costumes and memorabilia is in display in Stockton-on-Tees

BBC/JimScott La Voix is standing in front of some costumes from the exhibition. She has short, bright red hair, and is wearing a black sparkly top, with silver diamond buttons, and silver hoop earrings. Behind her are an array of her costumes, all brightly coloured. There is a bright pink and orange one to her left, and a Captain Cook inspired drag costume to her right. — The exhibition featuring some of La Voix's costumes and memorabilia is in display in Stockton-on-Tees

Strictly star La Voix has returned to her roots with an exhibition dedicated to the drag queen opening in her hometown.

The singer and entertainer has loaned a selection of costumes, accessories, photographs and memorabilia to Preston Park Museum in Stockton-on-Tees, giving visitors a glimpse into the artistry and history behind her career.

"I'm from the North East and I'm really proud of those roots," she said. "This museum is a massive part of my backstory, so having this stuff here means the world to me."

Becoming La Voix is on display until 28 June.

La Voix - the alter ego of performer Chris Dennis - grew up in Stockton and attended Butts Lane Primary School and later Egglescliffe School.

The exhibition celebrates themes of self-expression, resilience and joy, reflecting the humour, warmth and individuality that are La Voix.

Some of the outfits on display include those the star wore on the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing and RuPaul's Drag Race UK, and ITV's Britain's Got Talent.

BBC/JimScott La Voix is dressed in the same black sparkly top, with silver buttons, and she is standing in front of a life-size cut-out of her that is on a wall in the exhibition. In the cut-out she is wearing a sparkly silver dress, and she has red tassel cuffs on her wrists. She is holding the same pose as the cut-out, which is her holding out her hands to her sides. — La Voix said it was a "full circle moment" to have an exhibition at the museum she visited as a child

La Voix said that as a child she "never would have dreamed" that her life and work would be celebrated in the North East, because growing up there "wasn't much of a queer culture".

She said: "I could never have imagined back then that one day my life work would be celebrated within these walls - it's a real pinch me moment."

"I am deeply touched that the museum think I am worthy to be one of their exhibitions."

In October, La Voix performed to a packed, homecoming crowd at Stockton Globe as part of a nationwide tour.

Councillor Nigel Cooke, whose portfolio includes leisure and culture at Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, said: "La Voix's story is a celebration of talent, glamour and global success and I hope that it inspires people to follow their dreams."

The exhibition will remain open until the 28 June and is the latest to be held in The Spence Building, the new exhibition space at the museum.

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