Roles We\u2019ll Never Play: LGBTQ+ IVF Fundraiser<\/a>\u201d will see performers and creatives volunteer their talents to raise money for West End actresses Lauren Soley and Josie Kemp.<\/p>\nThe couple, who met while appearing in Les Mis\u00e9rables at what was then the Queen\u2019s Theatre, have to self-fund their IVF treatment, as many same-sex female couples do, under the current NHS fertility criteria. Funded treatment pathways are more difficult to access for same-sex couples than heterosexual couples. It\u2019s expected to cost Soley and Kemp more than \u00a335,000.<\/p>\n
\u2018The government will look back on this time with shame\u2019<\/p>\n
The couple told PinkNews: \u201cThroughout the ongoing process of IVF, we\u2019ve had to neurotically spreadsheet our options and host fundraisers because the government has made access to parenthood via fertility treatment so painfully unfair. We believe that in years to come, the government will look back on this time with shame. We can\u2019t help but wonder what the real reason is behind the government funding our straight counterparts but leaving most queer couples to fend for themselves. We can only seem to land on one thing, blatant discrimination.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe got a text from a friend saying that she\u2019s expecting a baby \u2013 we were overjoyed. She\u2019s been through the taxing process of IVF, however, without an additional burden hanging over her \u2013 she\u2019s straight, therefore the government deems her worthy of a funded family.\u00a0We need the government\u2019s support desperately, yet we are forgotten, very much an afterthought. We will keep going, because we have to, but it\u2019s impossible to ignore how much harder this has been made because of a system that\u2019s decided queer families are less worth supporting.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve been overwhelmed by the kindness of strangers, friends and both the theatre community and queer community, coming together to donate their time and talents to help us raise money to try and start a family. It has been incredibly emotional and exceptionally heartwarming.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Event details<\/p>\n
Drag Race favourite Kitty Scott-Claus, West End performers Alice Fearn (Wicked), Idris Kargbo (The Lion King), Sejal Keshwala (Everybody\u2019s Talking About Jamie), and Desmonda Cathabel (Hadestown) are leading the line-up.<\/p>\n
Joining them are Lauren Byrne (Six) and Holly Anne Hull (The Phantom of the Opera) from Remember Monday, who represented the UK at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2025, with comedian Lee Peart hosting.<\/p>\n
More cast announcements are set to come before the big night.<\/p>\n
The show will combine performances and heartfelt storytelling as a celebration of theatre, queer joy and generosity.<\/p>\n
Tickets (available now<\/a>) cost from \u00a325 to \u00a375.<\/p>\nShare your thoughts!\u00a0Let us know in the comments below, and remember to keep the conversation respectful.<\/p>\n
![\"Kitty](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/kitty-scott-clause-remember-monday.jpg\")
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