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Kerry Ellis
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Kerry Jane Ellis (born 6 May 1979) is an English actress and singer who is best known for her work in musical theatre and subsequent crossover into music. Born and raised in Suffolk, Ellis began performing at an early age before training at Laine Theatre Arts from the age of 16.

Key Information

Ellis made her first professional stage appearance in 1998 and went on to make her West End debut in the 2001 revival of My Fair Lady as an understudy for the role of Eliza Doolittle. In 2002, she landed the role of Meat in the original London cast of We Will Rock You and has subsequently played lead roles in musicals Les Misérables, Wicked (in the West End and on Broadway), Oliver! and Cats as well as appearing in national tours and concert productions of musicals like Miss Saigon, Chess, The War of the Worlds, RENT, and Anything Goes. Ellis, who has received several awards and nominations for her performances, has become recognised as the First Lady of West End musicals.[1][2] She has also worked sporadically in film and television.

After meeting Queen guitarist Brian May in 2002, Ellis expanded her repertoire as a solo artist. She has released four studio albums Anthems (2010), which reached number 15 on the UK Albums Chart, the self-titled Kerry Ellis (2014), Golden Days (2017) and Feels Like Home (2020) as well as an extended play Wicked in Rock (2008) and a live album Acoustic by Candlelight (2013). Ellis also appears as a featured artist on several other albums. Ellis has performed in concerts across the world in addition to headlining solo concert tours like Anthems: The Tour and The Born Free Tour.

In addition to her musical work, Ellis involves herself in charity work for the Born Free Foundation with May and is the patron of several arts organisations. In 2019, Ellis received an honorary fellowship from the University of Suffolk.[3]

Early life and training

[edit]

Kerry Jane Ellis was born on 6 May 1979 in Haughley,[4] near Stowmarket, in Suffolk, the daughter of Sandra Ann Reed and Terry John Ellis.[5][6] Describing herself as a hyperactive young girl, she attended dance classes at the Ann Holland School of Theatre Dance and performed in local shows and pantomimes whilst also enjoying swimming and horse-riding.[7][8] Her first stage role was in The Wizard of Oz at the Wolsey Theatre in nearby Ipswich where she played a Munchkin at the age of 9.[7][8][9] After a successful audition, she also spent the summer of 1990 with the National Youth Music Theatre (NYMT).[8][10]

When her parents took her to see the West End production of Les Misérables for her thirteenth birthday, "that's when I knew I wanted to be on the stage."[8][11] Although she had not discovered her vocal ability until she was at college and had started working, Ellis cites her early influences as Liza Minnelli, Elaine Paige and Barbra Streisand; their music she would sing in her bedroom much to the disturbance of her older brother Andrew, now a keen fisherman.[12][13] She has explained that fellow musical theatre actress Ruthie Henshall inspired her growing up: "[Henshall] was a success story from Suffolk … I think I identified with her because it was an actual story that I saw happen and was achievable. She was only a couple of years ahead of me and I could relate to her."[14]

Whilst attending Stowmarket High School, she completed work experience with Starmakers, a company of holiday entertainers, at Potters Leisure Resort in Hopton-on-Sea.[15] She also spent the summers of 1995 and 1997 with the company to earn money by singing many of their cabaret shows.[16] Having left school at 16, Ellis turned to Laine Theatre Arts, an independent performing arts college, where she spent three years to gain a national diploma in musical theatre. "It was an incredible three years where I learnt a great deal about myself, the industry and came away feeling part of something special," she remembers.[17] Ellis was also in the same year as fellow musical theatre actress Louise Dearman.[18] By the time she graduated in 1998, Ellis had appeared in a number of professional pantomimes for E&B productions including Dick Whittington (1995) and Aladdin (1996) across theatres in the UK as well as performing the title role in Cinderella (1997) at the Cliffs Pavilion in Southend-on-Sea.[8][19]

Career

[edit]

Career beginnings and My Fair Lady (1998–2002)

[edit]
Ellis performing in a musical adaption of Jesus Christ Superstar, 2004.

Following her graduation, Ellis became first understudy to Marti Webb in a UK concert tour of The Magic of the Musicals in 1998, required on several occasions in Webb's absence, yet took a hiatus in 1999 to board cruise ship MS Voyager of the Seas, employed as lead vocalist in the ship's entertainment staff.[7] After nine months travelling across The Caribbean, she left the ship in Los Angeles, spent three months travelling across the US until her visa ran out, and then returned to understudy in the UK concert tour.[7] By November 1999, she had made her first television appearance on Children in Need for their special Pudsey the Musical and was featured in a jingle for Capital FM. Following this, she appeared as the title role in a Gary Griffin-directed workshop production titled Helen of Troy and played the role of Mary in Merrily We Roll Along at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre.[20]

By late 2000, she had settled in her first property, a two-bedroom Brockley maisonette, and joined the original cast of Cameron Mackintosh's London revival of My Fair Lady, appointed swing and second of two understudies to Martine McCutcheon in the role of Eliza Doolittle after being scouted by agent Jonathan Greatorex.[21][22] The musical initially played at the Lyttelton Theatre at the Royal National Theatre from 6 March 2001 to 20 June 2001 but later transferred to Theatre Royal, Drury Lane with shows beginning 21 July 2001.[23] Due to the illnesses of both McCutcheon and first understudy Alexandra Jay during the production's run at both theatres, Ellis starred as Eliza Doolittle opposite Jonathan Pryce and Dennis Waterman; her West End debut saw her taking on the lead role with only three hours preparation.[24][25]

"Kerry [had] been in rehearsals throughout the run but she didn't find out until late afternoon that she was going on. She was scared and excited but enjoyed it," said agent Greatorex with first understudy Jay adding, "She was fantastic. She probably showed me up" while Ellis concluded, "I was nervous but once I was on stage the nerves disappeared and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience."[22] She played Eliza Doolittle on a total of five occasions and departed from the company in July 2002.[7] "I have particularly fond memories of this, my first West End show, and the experience I gained from the cast and creatives was fantastic," she reflected.[21] She also stated, "It was a great step up for me. It was important not just in the type of show it was but also in getting my face known."[14]

We Will Rock You, Miss Saigon and Les Misérables (2002–2006)

[edit]

During her run in My Fair Lady, Queen guitarist Brian May and music director Mike Dixon came to see the production. The first time, they saw Ellis perform in the ensemble; they returned for a second time at a performance where she was understudying the role of Eliza Doolittle and anonymously encouraged her to audition for the debut of their jukebox musical We Will Rock You.[4] Ellis admitted at the time she had no idea it was May who was watching her; she found out at a later date.[26][27] After seven auditions, she landed the role of Meat and got to sing the solo song "No-One but You (Only the Good Die Young)".[8][14]

Ellis in We Will Rock You, 2002.

She began performances on 14 May 2002 and was also involved in television appearances with the cast on Parkinson and at Party at the Palace. Ellis, who ended her run as Meat on 17 April 2004, is also featured on the original London cast recording of We Will Rock You. She stated that working with May, Elton and Roger Taylor was "a great step forward" in her professional career; calling her journey "breath-taking."[21]

Particularly interested in working with her musically, May partnered with Ellis during her time in We Will Rock You to lay the foundations of her musical career. "From the moment I first heard Kerry sing, I was entranced, and felt the conviction that I would one day make an album for her. That conviction never left me," he professed.[28] In 2002, they recorded an orchestral version of the song "No-One but You (Only the Good Die Young)". It was digitally released three years later.[12] Whilst still in the production, Ellis also performed in one-off intimate gigs at London venues.

After leaving the show, she performed in a concert version of Jesus Christ Superstar as the female lead, Mary Magdalene, at Porchester Castle in June 2004 alongside other West End performers and the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. She also played Eva Cassidy in a 2004 workshop production of Way Beyond Blue, a Trevor Nunn-directed and Imogen Stubbs-written piece, in addition to being cast as Ellen in a UK tour of Miss Saigon.[29][30] She went into rehearsals for Miss Saigon at Sadler's Wells Theatre in Islington before performances commenced on 14 June 2004 at the Theatre Royal in Plymouth.[31] A BBC critic opined, "Although not on stage much, the brief moments with [Ellis'] Ellen are emotional and compassionate as well as vocally beautiful."[32]

Following this, Ellis got the role of Fantine in the West End production of Les Misérables. Ellis started rehearsals while still touring with Miss Saigon,[33] and rehearsed for four weeks with the company before beginning the role of Fantine on 27 June 2005 at the Queen's Theatre alongside John Owen-Jones, Shonagh Daly, Shaun Escoffery and Hayden Tee.[21][34] Ellis played Fantine for almost a year and ended her time with the company on 24 June 2006.[33] Theatre producer Cameron Mackintosh professed that Ellis made an "outstanding" Fantine in addition to admitting his pleasure at seeing Ellis' career grow through roles in three of his productions and naming her a "great talent."[35]

Wicked, Broadway, Chess and other performances (2006–2009)

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In July 2006, Ellis joined the original London cast of the musical Wicked at the Apollo Victoria Theatre to play Elphaba. Ellis had been contracted to serve as a temporary standby to Idina Menzel, the original Elphaba, for three months from first performances in September 2006, before taking over to play the lead role full time in January 2007.[36] During Menzel's run, Ellis played Elphaba on nine occasions in Menzel's absence; some fans turned up at the theatre expressly hoping to witness Ellis.[20] Ellis also made numerous appearances at concerts and events, singing songs from the musical, including West End Live in Leicester Square, Walk for Life in Hyde Park, Kids Week in Covent Garden, and the annual Gay Pride Festival in Trafalgar Square, in addition to making an appearance on lunchtime television chat show Loose Women. She continued the role at the Apollo Victoria Theatre until 7 June 2008.[37] For her portrayal, Ellis won the Whatsonstage.com Theatregoers' Choice Award for Best Takeover in a Role in and a nomination for Favourite Theatre Actress at the Lastminute.com People's Choice Theatre Awards.[38]

Ellis outside the stage door of Apollo Victoria Theatre in 2008.

Following her time in Wicked in London, Ellis then transferred to the Broadway production of the show at the Gershwin Theatre with performances starting on 17 June 2008. She replaced stage actress Stephanie J. Block, making her the first Wicked actress to transfer from the West End to Broadway.[39][40] Playing alongside Kendra Kassebaum as Glinda and Aaron Tveit as Fiyero for her five-month run, Ellis won the Broadway.com Audience Award for Favourite Female Breakthrough Performance in 2009.[41] Ellis also got involved in the musical's 5th anniversary celebrations by switching on the lights of the Empire State Building with composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz. Ellis also performed at Broadway on Broadway in Times Square, recorded a song titled "Behind these Walls" for Scott Alan's album Keys and released her first extended play Wicked in Rock (2008) during her time in New York.[42][43] Produced by Brian May and Steve Sidwell, the EP comprises three tracks: new orchestrations of "Defying Gravity" and "I'm Not that Girl" from Wicked and Queen song "No-One but You (Only the Good Die Young)" that she and May recorded six years earlier. Ellis left the Broadway company on 9 November 2008 and was replaced by Marcie Dodd.[44] She refers to the transfer from West End to Broadway theatre as "a real honour [and] a joy"; adding that performing on Broadway was "a dream come true."[45]

Ellis returned to the West End production of Wicked on 1 December 2008 and spent a further five months as Elphaba where, ultimately, she ended her time with the musical.[46] She played her last performance as Elphaba on 9 May 2009 and was succeeded by Alexia Khadime two days later.[47] Upon departure, Ellis had been billed as lead for a total of 116 weeks (omitting absence) in both the London and Broadway companies, making her the longest-serving British actress in the role of Elphaba (until Rachel Tucker later succeeded this feat in June 2012). Furthermore, Ellis and Dianne Pilkington (who played as Glinda alongside her) were the show's longest serving leads.[27] In 2013, she was named the favourite West End Elphaba in a Whatsonstage.com poll asking the public to vote for their favourite actress who had played the role in London.[48]

Ellis cited the role of Elphaba as the "most challenging [that she had] ever undertaken" stating that it was "a massive journey" to go on at every performance and admits that Wicked "changed [her] life" in terms of boosting her recognition within the entertainment industry.[21][45] Ellis also represented the musical at the annual Royal Variety Performance in 2008 where she performed her rock version of the Wicked song "Defying Gravity" alongside Brian May on guitar at the London Palladium.[49]

Whilst still involved in Wicked, Ellis also performed alongside Idina Menzel, Adam Pascal, Josh Groban, Clarke Peters, Marti Pellow and David Bedella in a two-day limited engagement of Chess in Concert at the Royal Albert Hall on 12 and 13 May 2008. She played the role of Svetlana and upon reflection, stated that to star at the Royal Albert Hall, work with an "amazing" company and sing alongside those particular cast members "was a dream come true." This concert version was later released on DVD and CD and screened on US network television.

Following her departure from Wicked, she recorded material with Brian May for her debut album and performed at various live events including her first set of solo musical showcase concerts entitled Kerry Ellis Sings the Great British Songbook at the Shaw Theatre on Euston Road in London.[12][50] She performed on four dates in late June 2009 with the inclusion of Brian May in each night's encore. Of the concerts, Ellis commented, "It's finally something that I can do as me, as opposed to being in a show as a character. It's lovely to be able to sing songs that I really want to sing or which I wouldn't normally get to sing."[45] The showcase paid tribute to some of Ellis' favourite British composers and lyricists including Take That, Duffy, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Paul McCartney.[51] Of her "eclectic set" with "velvety rich distinctive vocals," a critic professed, "Ellis is as sexy as any other female pop star out there today and she sings like a true diva," and concluded, "She may have left Oz for good but there is no place like home and for Kerry Ellis that home is most definitely the stage."[52]

Ellis also performed on tours celebrating the music of Queen in 2009, including the Symphonic Queen Spectacular across cities in the UK and Champions of Rock across cities in Sweden. She also performed with John Barrowman at the 2009 Henley Festival (which was later broadcast on BBC Radio 2's Friday Night is Music Night), at the 2009 Edinburgh Fringe Festival and at Thank You for the Music – a special concert in Hyde Park celebrating the music of Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus (of ABBA) in September 2009 – where she delivered the first UK performance of "You Have to Be There", a song from the pair's musical Kristina från Duvemåla.[53][54][55] Ellis also performed alongside other musicians at the Royal Albert Hall in November at Women of Rock, a performance dedicated to breast cancer research, and also appeared as a featured artist on a version of "Somebody to Love" on Only Men Aloud!'s second studio album Band of Brothers (2009); she later performed this song live with the choir at one of their concerts in December 2009 at Theatre Royal, Drury Lane.

Oliver!, Anthems, tour and other ventures (2010–2011)

[edit]

Her return to the stage for the first time almost a year, Ellis replaced Jodie Prenger in the role of Nancy in Cameron Mackintosh's London revival of Oliver! at Theatre Royal, Drury Lane.[56] Ironically, Ellis had appeared in the BBC talent show I'd Do Anything (2009), mentoring potential Nancys (including Jodie Prenger) in the fore-running to the opening of this London revival.[57] She also mentored potential candidates in Over the Rainbow (2010), BBC's subsequent talent show that searched for a Dorothy Gale for the 2011 musical adaptation of The Wizard of Oz.[58] Ellis first played Nancy on 29 March 2010 to positive reviews, starring alongside Griff Rhys Jones (and later Russ Abbot) as Fagin and Steven Hartley as Bill Sikes.[59] She was the second and final actress to play Nancy in the London revival, continuing the role until the end of the show's run on 8 January 2011. Ellis was nominated for the 2010 BroadwayWorld.com UK Award for Best Leading Actress in a Musical and the 2011 Whatsonstage.com Theatregoers' Choice Award for Best Takeover in a Role but lost to Sheridan Smith as Elle Woods in Legally Blonde and Rachel Tucker as Elphaba in Wicked, respectively.

Fabricated within the space of nine months, Anthems, Ellis' debut studio album, was released in mid September 2010. The album, which was produced by Brian May and recorded at Abbey Road Studios with a 70-piece orchestra, was described by Ellis as one that "tap[s] into all the different areas that [she has] been part of" in her career between the years 2000 and 2010.[12] It includes both original songs, songs from musicals and concerts in which she has been involved as well as new arrangements of personal favourites. May stated that "[Kerry and I]'ve created [...] a style that defines a new form of music – a kind of anthemic-orchestral-rock-musical-theatre fusion," while Ellis remarked, "I think [Anthems has] got a touch of camp to it, really. It's very grand. [It has] big orchestras and big ballad-y vocals."[12] The album peaked at number 15 on the UK Albums Chart.

Promotion of the album included Ellis performing (with Brian May) on many television shows like Tonight's the Night, The Michael Ball Show, This Morning and The Alan Titchmarsh Show, as well as performing live at the BBC Radio Theatre and later, London nightclub, G-A-Y.[60] The weekend prior to the album's release, Ellis was accompanied by May on guitar at BBC's Proms in the Park where she performed songs from Anthems as well as a medley of Queen songs.[61] Joined by May once again, Ellis performed at The Royal British Legion's Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall in the presence of the British royal family – including Queen Elizabeth II.[62]

In support of Anthems, Ellis and May embarked on her first headlining concert tour of Great Britain, titled Anthems: The Tour.[27] The tour commenced at the Royal Albert Hall on 1 May 2011 for two special charity performances (benefiting Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research), titled Anthems: The Concert, where Ellis was supported by the City of London Philharmonic, The West End Chorus, performer Adam Pascal and electronic string quartet Escala.[27] Her performances at the Royal Albert Hall both sold out and later garnered her the 2012 Whatsonstage.com Theatregoers' Choice Award for Best Solo Performance and a nomination for the 2011 BroadwayWorld.com UK Award for Theatrical Event of the Year (she lost to 25th anniversary celebrations of The Phantom of the Opera). After attending Anthems: The Concert, critic Mark Shenton of The Stage hailed Ellis, a "small but fierce and fiery performer," as "this generation's Elaine Paige, with a similarly soaring, scorching voice." He also made reference to her cult following built from her Wicked days, labelling her "our local green goddess of song." Despite professing he prefers other contemporary musical theatre actresses, "I can't deny the power and following she clearly has."[63] Anthems: The Tour continued at venues throughout Great Britain and finished at RAF Cranwell in July 2011 where the pair headlined a special titled Anthems in the Park. The tour was met with mostly positive reviews with critics praising the meshing of May's sound with Ellis' voice.

Previous to this, she performed in various concerts throughout 2010 including The Night of 1000 Voices – which was dedicated to the 80th birthday of composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim – at the Royal Albert Hall in May, A Weekend with the Stars where she performed "Somebody to Love" with Only Men Aloud! at the Wales Millennium Centre, and at an event celebrating the 80th anniversary of the birth of composer Lionel Bart at the Hackney Empire where she sang the Oliver! song "As Long as He Needs Me".[64] The last two performances were later broadcast in December on British television channel S4C and on BBC Radio 2 respectively. She also lent her voice to a version of the song "Wind Beneath My Wings" that features the Central Band of the Royal Air Force on their album Reach for the Skies and appears on a version of the song "Come What May" with Alfie Boe on his album Bring Him Home. Among other participants from the London theatre community, Ellis additionally lent her voice to "inspirational" videos that were released upon to video-sharing website YouTube for the "It Gets Better" campaign – a project created by columnist Dan Savage in response to school bullying and a rash of suicides among young LGBT people aiming to "provide hope to youth struggling with their identity."[65] With John Partridge, Ellis also presented the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical at the 2010 Laurence Olivier Awards.

She also continued to perform in various concerts throughout 2011, including her return to the leisure resort where she first started working, Potters Leisure Resort, to perform in the One Night Musicals Spectacular, which saw Ellis in combination with "musical variety from Potters Theatre Company and other leading West End singers" in February.[66] In March, she duetted with performer Barry Manilow on the Finian's Rainbow song "Look to the Rainbow" at the 2011 Laurence Olivier Awards in addition to returning to London nightclub G-A-Y, performing "Love It When You Call", "I Know Him So Well", "Diamonds are Forever" and the remixed version of her rock version of the song "Defying Gravity".[67][68]

Angela Lansbury, Ellis (centre) and Brian May at the 2011 Laurence Olivier Awards

April saw Ellis became a patron – alongside Bonnie Langford – to Guildford's Performance Preparation Academy (PPA). The school now offers annual scholarships in both Ellis' and Langford's names. In May, she judged in the 2011 Stephen Sondheim Society Student Performer of the Year competition in addition to performing "Cabaret" and "Rock-a-Bye Your Baby with a Dixie Melody" at the Mermaid Theatre as part of the BBC Radio 2 special Friday Night is Music Night in a special concert celebrating the music of the BBC's radio programme Desert Island Discs and appearing at gay nightclub Cruz 101 to perform "Love It When You Call", "Somebody to Love" and the remixed version of her rock version of the song "Defying Gravity" in celebration of the club's 19th birthday.[69][70][71]

With Brian May, she accepted an invitation to fly a training sortie with the Red Arrows on 16 June: Ellis on Red 1 with Squadron Leader Ben Murphy (the leader of the Red Arrows) while May flew on Red 7 with Flight Lieutenant Ben Plank.[72][73] The same month, the pair performed "Born Free" at the 2011 Born Free Foundation Gala Dinner at the Savoy Hotel to celebrate the 80th birthday of its founder Virginia McKenna and teamed up again to perform at the 2011 Goodwood Festival of Speed in July.

In August, she kicked off the 20th English Premier League for the FA Community Shield by performing the British national anthem at Wembley Stadium and also became a patron to Emil Dale's School of Performing Arts in Hitchin while September saw her performing at the opening launch concert of the new Diamond Theatre in Slovenia and returning to London's Savoy to sing at the 65th birthday celebrations of Freddie Mercury.[74] She also returned to the Shaw Theatre in London on 30 September and 1 October, accompanied by musician Craig Adams, to perform in a pair of solo concerts titled An Audience with Kerry Ellis in addition to appearing at the 40th anniversary celebratory concert of the Broadway musical Godspell at the Palace Theatre, Manchester in late October. Aside her professional endeavours, Ellis married her long-term boyfriend James Townsend on 8 September 2011 following their engagement in November 2010.[75]

The Voice UK, The War of the Worlds and RENT (2012–2013)

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In January 2012, Ellis auditioned for the debut series of The Voice UK, a reality television singing competition. The show saw Ellis giving a blind audition in front of its four coaches. She sang "Son of a Preacher Man" but it failed to progress her further after none of the coaches turned round to select her to be in their groups.[76] Her audition aired on BBC One in March; the panel reacted with positive feedback. Tom Jones consoled her: "You seem like you've already made it," referring to her theatrical career, while Danny O'Donoghue stated, "I thought you did a really phenomenal job, I really did. I can't fault that, all I can fault is myself for not turning around. I am looking for a specific type of girl singer and you're not it but you will be for 99% of the UK I am sure."[77] Her name later trended on social networking site Twitter.[78]

Ellis performing with Brian May in 2010.

She has continued to perform, appearing at a charity concert of Children of Eden alongside other West End performers at London's Prince of Wales Theatre in January which provoked Mark Shenton to label Ellis and Louise Dearman as "the twin goddesses of West End musical voices."[79] Ellis paired with Brian May and singer Irene Fornaciari at the 2012 Sanremo Music Festival on the songs "I (Who Have Nothing)" and "We Will Rock You" in February. The same month, she closed the 2012 Whatsonstage.com Theatregoers' Choice Awards with May and also performed with him at the launch of Pride of Cape Town in South Africa in March. There, she also shot a documentary to highlight her charity work with the Born Free Foundation. After becoming patron of the Wattisham Military Wives Choir, she went solo in the one-off concerts Coming Home and on the Edge towards the end of March and start of April and also led her own BBC Radio 2 Friday Night is Music Night special with guests Brian May, Ramin Karimloo and Jonathan Ansell.

Other appearances saw her sit on the celebrity judging panel for West End Eurovision 2012 and perform in Scott Alan's concert at New York's Birdland in April in addition to returning to The Night of 1000 Voices at the Royal Albert Hall, judging contestants for the Craig Barbour Award at the Soho Theatre, and playing at a Marco Bicego London jewellery exhibition in May. The same month, she flew to Florence in Italy to perform with Italian Queen tribute band Killer Queen, but returned to England to sing with Brian May at concert titled Rock Against Cancer in Devizes. In June, Mark Shenton listed Ellis on his article about his "favourite leading musical ladies" in West End theatre, complimenting her for bringing "a different kind of pop passion to her voice that has stood her in good stead for [West End] shows."[80] June also saw her being filmed at Pinewood Studios for the film adaptation of the musical Les Misérables (2012), where she plays an uncredited wench in the "Master of the House" number which features Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter.[81] She has also paired with Craig Adams on his new musical Defect; she recorded a demo with Oliver Tompsett entitled "If Only You Could Know" for the musical in June.

Throughout July, Ellis appeared in an interview-and-song series, These Are A Few of My Favourite Songs, at London's Soho Theatre, performed with the winners at the live final of #searchforatwitterstar – an online Twitter talent competition, sang as a special guest at musical concert West End Men with Lee Mead in both Jersey, Guildford and Guernsey, and sat on the judging panel for the gala finale of Talent 2012 at the Garrick Theatre – a competition on the search for the next West End musical theatre star. In August, Ellis was made the official patron of St. George's Youth Theatre in Great Yarmouth, the Vice President of the Newmarket Operatic Musical and Dramatic Society (later their patron) and the first official patron of West End Stage, a London-based theatrical summer school, in addition to chatting with David Bedella at the After Show with David Bedella at the Alleycat in London's Soho.

In September, she performed with Brian May at both the Freddie for a Day launch event at London's Savoy Hotel, Wildlife Rocks at the Guildford Cathedral and at The Sunflower Jam at London's Royal Albert Hall in addition to sitting on the judging panel at London dog show Pup Aid. The following October, she led a week of solo concerts at the Hippodrome Casino in Leicester Square with a small band and a number of special guests in addition to singing at an event entitled A Night at the Musicals at the Wales Millennium Centre, part of the 2012 Cardiff Music Festival. The same month, she flew to Shanghai to participate in a string of concerts entitled Ultimate Broadway at the city's Culture Square Theatre. These concerts featured other performers from the West End and celebrate both classical and contemporary Broadway hits. Ellis also embarked on her second headlining concert tour with Brian May, The Born Free Tour, performing dates in and around the home counties from 5 to 19 November. The same month, the pair performed at the Make-A-Wish Foundation Winter Ball at The Dorchester in London. In December, they also paired up again to perform for a Christmas special of Weekend Wogan, which was broadcast later in the month on BBC Radio 2. She was also named an official patron of the Academy for Theatre Arts in Newcastle-under-Lyme in the same month. In January 2013, she was also made an official patron of the British Dance Arts Federation (BDAF).

Ellis returned to her theatrical roots on the New Generation tour of The War of the Worlds, performing the role of Beth, at arenas around Europe from November 2012 to January 2013. The sold-out performance at The O2 Arena was recorded and was released in cinemas in April and will be on DVD in November. Ellis also performed the role of Mimi alongside Superstar finalist Rory Taylor in the 20th anniversary concert production of the musical RENT that toured the UK, opening on 25 April 2013 at The Opera House in Manchester before playing theatres in London, Liverpool, Newcastle, Cardiff, Birmingham, Stoke-on-Trent, Glasgow and Leeds. It finished at The Cliffs Pavilion in Southend-on-Sea on 5 May 2013. She also appeared on select dates in the musical concert The West End Men led by Lee Mead at London's Vaudeville Theatre from 25 May to 22 June.[82]

Other performances in 2013 include her leading a week of cabaret shows at The Pheasantry in London in February and at Tiger Tracks, a three-week tiger conservation event, performing a free outdoor charity gig at St Pancras railway station with Brian May in March.[citation needed] In April, she returned to the After Show with David Bedella at the Alleycat in London's Soho to chat with David Bedella. In May, she led her own solo concert, entitled Kerry Ellis in Concert, at the London Palladium for one night only with various special guests including Brian May and West End performers,[83] in addition to performing at the Guildford School of Acting choir's concert with Ruthie Henshall, returning to West End Eurovision to present the West End Wilma Volunteer of the Year award and also headlining the 9th annual Spotlight Ball. In June, she performed in front of Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge at the naming ceremony of the newest addition of the P&O Princess Cruises' fleet, Royal Princess, before going back on the road to do a second leg of The Born Free Tour in the UK and Ireland with Brian May.[84]

The pair then took The Born Free Tour to mainland Europe in July in addition to performing at the 47th Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland followed by a performance at the 2013 Guitare en scène festival 2013 in the east of France. In August, she performs in West End Anthems, a musical theatre revue, at the Glow venue in Bluewater in Kent and will be a special guest at An Intimate Evening with Ruthie Henshall at London's Cadogan Hall and a special guest at The Velma Celli Show at the Hippodrome Casino, London. Ellis returned to the Hippodrome Casino in September, as a special guest at Christina Bianco's Diva Moments concert. The same month, she also performed with Michael Ball and Gina Beck in Summertime, a musical theatre event celebrating the music of George Gershwin, at London's Kenwood House,[85] in addition to talking to Edward Seckerson in his Singular Sensations series at Charing Cross Theatre, London, and playing an acoustic set with Brian May at the Hope 4 Apes charity ball, hosted by Sir David Attenborough, at The Savoy, London. She also appeared in TransAtlantic, a concert mix of new musical theatre at St James Theatre, London, singing a duet with Rory Taylor in September. In October, she performed at Inspiration Awards for Women at Cadogan Hall, London. Ellis will also perform at A Night at the Musicals when it returns to the Wales Millennium Centre as well as appearing as a special guest in a Christmas Spectacular at the Royal Albert Hall in December.

Throughout these endeavours, Ellis worked on new music with Brian May; she released a live album Acoustic by Candlelight with him on 17 June 2013.[86][87][88] Prior to its release, the pair released a cover of "Born Free" as a single on 5 November 2012[89] and a new song "The Kissing Me Song" on limited edition 7" vinyl for Record Store Day on 20 April 2013 and as a single on 17 June 2013. A DVD of the tour will also be available by Christmas 2013. She also provided vocals for "The Badger Swagger", a song with Brian May and Slash in support of Team Badger, a coalition of organisations teaming up to fight the planned cull of badgers in the UK, which was released on 3 June 2013, and also for a charity single with Viva! (Vegetarians International Voice for Animals), which will be released in time for Christmas 2013. Ellis gave birth to a baby boy, Alfie Ellis-Townsend, on 25 October 2013.[90]

Concerts, new album, return to Wicked, Cats (2014–present)

[edit]

In the first quarter of 2014, Ellis performed in West End Anthems at the Watford Colosseum and also returned to 20th anniversary concert tour of RENT for dates across the UK in January and February.[91] She also went back on the road with Brian May on The Candlelight Concerts tour between February and March as well as returning to London's Pheasantry, performing in A Night in the West End with the London Philharmonic Orchestra at the Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham, singing in a solo concert Live at the Gaiety Theatre on the Isle of Man, and performing at An Evening of Movies and Musicals with Joe McElderry in Scotland.

Ellis also launched a Pledge page, with a variety of VIP packages and Ellis gifts to try to fund her new album. Her new album, Kerry Ellis was released on 14 September 2014.

On 12 July 2014, Ellis joined Wicked's original Broadway Glinda, Kristin Chenoweth in a duet of "For Good" during her one night only solo concert at the Royal Albert Hall.

On 14 July 2014, it was announced that Ellis would once again rejoin the West End production of Wicked, replacing Willemijn Verkaik as Elphaba at the Apollo Victoria Theatre. She played a limited 12-week engagement from 4 August 2014 through 25 October 2014.[92]

In December 2014, Ellis released a double album, together with fellow musical theatre stars, Louise Dearman and Ben Forster, of Alexander S. Bermange's three-person musical, The Route to Happiness. This was made available as a deluxe 2-CD set and to download.

In February 2015, Ellis took over from Nicole Scherzinger as Grizabella in Cats at the London Palladium.[93]

On Sunday 27 September, she performed in the previously announced one-night-only concert with fellow West End Star and friend Louise Dearman at the Prince Edward Theatre. She gave birth to her second child, a boy called Freddie, on 30 November 2015.

In 2017, Ellis starred as Alice in the UK tour of Wonderland.[94]

In August 2018, Ellis played at the Glamis Proms at Glamis Castle, the childhood home to Her Majesty, Elizabeth The Queen Mother.

On 18 December 2019, Ellis performed "Rise Like a Phoenix" in the opening of the Miss World 2019 pageant.[95]

Ellis sang "Defying Gravity" as the finale of Musicals: The Greatest Show, a socially distanced show with no audience, performed at the London Palladium, broadcast on BBC1 on 7 February 2021.

In February 2022, it was announced that Ellis would play Reno Sweeney in the UK/Ireland tour of Anything Goes, which also played at London's Barbican Theatre for the summer of 2022, until September 3.[96]

In July 2024, it was announced that Ellis would portray Cruella de Vil in the UK and Ireland tour of 101 Dalmatians. Ellis appeared during the tour’s runs at the New Theatre Oxford and Theatre Royal, Brighton. She was the final star cast member announced for the penultimate and concluding performances of the tour, scheduled from 3 December 2024 to 5 January 2025.[97][98] From 31 January to 1 February, 2025, Ellis performed a concert at 54 Below in New York City.[99]

Work and credits

[edit]

Theatre

[edit]
Title Year(s) Role(s) Venue(s)
My Fair Lady 2001–2002 Swing
Eliza Doolittle (second understudy) 		Lyttelton Theatre at the National Theatre, London
Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, London
We Will Rock You 2002–2004 Meat Dominion Theatre, London
Miss Saigon 2004–2005 Ellen UK tour
Les Misérables 2005–2006 Fantine Queen's Theatre, London
Wicked 2006–2008 Elphaba Apollo Victoria Theatre, London
2008 Gershwin Theatre, New York
2008-2009 Apollo Victoria Theatre, London
Oliver! 2010–2011 Nancy Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, London
Wicked 2014 Elphaba Apollo Victoria Theatre, London
Cats 2015 Grizabella London Palladium, London
Murder Ballad 2016 Sara Arts Theatre, London
Wonderland 2017 Alice UK tour
Anything Goes 2022 Reno Sweeney UK tour
Barbican Theatre, London
101 Dalmatians 2024-2025 Cruella de Vil UK tour
New Theatre Oxford, Oxford
Theatre Royal, Brighton, Brighton
Workshops
Title Year Role
Helen of Troy 2000 Helen of Troy
Way Beyond Blue 2004 Eva Cassidy

Concerts

[edit]
Musical concerts
Title Year Role Venue
Jesus Christ Superstar 2004 Mary Magdalene Portchester Castle, Portchester
Chess 2008 Svetlana Sergievsky Royal Albert Hall, London
Godspell 2011 Female vocal leads Palace Theatre, Manchester
Children of Eden 2012 Special guest Prince of Wales Theatre, London
The War of the Worlds – The New Generation 2012–2013 Beth Various arenas across Europe
RENT 2013–2014 Mimi Various theatres across the UK
The West End Men 2013 Herself Vaudeville Theatre, London
West End Women 2014 Herself UK & Ireland Tour
Solo concerts
Title Year Venue(s)
Kerry Ellis Sings the Great British Songbook 2009 Shaw Theatre, London
Anthems: The Concert 2011 Royal Albert Hall, London
Anthems: The Tour 2011 Various across the UK
An Audience with Kerry Ellis 2011 Shaw Theatre, London
Coming Home 2012 The Apex, Bury St Edmunds
On the Edge 2012 Gwyn Hall, Neath
Live at the Hippodrome 2012 Hippodrome Casino, London
The Born Free Tour 2012–2013 Various across the UK, Ireland and Europe
An Evening with Kerry Ellis 2013 The Pheasantry, London
Kerry Ellis Live 2013 New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich
Kerry Ellis in Concert 2013 The Palladium, London
The Candlelight Concerts 2014 Various across the UK and Europe
Kerry Ellis in Concert UK Tour 2014 Various across the UK
One Voice The Tour 2016 Various across Europe

Film

[edit]
Title Year Role
Les Misérables 2012 Wench (extra)
Wicked: For Good 2025 TBA (cameo)

Television

[edit]
Title Year Channel Role Notes
Parkinson 2002 BBC One Herself Performed "We Will Rock You" and "We Are the Champions" with Brian May, Roger Taylor and We Will Rock You cast
Party at the Palace 2002 BBC One Meat Performed "We Will Rock You" and "Bohemian Rhapsody" with Brian May, Roger Taylor and We Will Rock You cast
Loose Women 2007 ITV Elphaba Performed "The Wizard and I"
I'd Do Anything 2008 BBC One Herself Mentored potential Nancys at the Apollo Victoria Theatre
Royal Variety Performance 2008 BBC One Herself Performed "Defying Gravity" with Brian May
Over the Rainbow 2010 BBC One Herself Mentored potential Dorothys at the Dominion Theatre
Big Brother's Little Brother 2010 E4 Herself Interview
Tonight's the Night 2010 BBC One Herself Performed "Wind Beneath My Wings" with contestant and "Anthem" with Brian May
The Michael Ball Show 2010 ITV Herself Interview; performed "Anthem" with Brian May
This Morning 2010 ITV Herself Interview; performed "Anthem" with Brian May
Breakfast 2010 BBC One Herself Interview
BBC London News 2010 BBC One Herself Interview with Brian May
Proms in the Park 2010 BBC Red Button Herself Performed "Dangerland", "I'm Not that Girl", "Anthem", "We Will Rock You" and "We Are the Champions" with Brian May
The Wright Stuff 2010 Channel 5 Herself Special guest panelist
Festival of Remembrance 2010 BBC One Herself Performed "Anthem" with Brian May
Only Men Aloud – Merry Christmas 2010 S4C Herself Performed "Somebody to Love" with Only Men Aloud
Breakfast 2011 BBC One Herself Interview with Brian May
2011 Laurence Olivier Awards 2011 BBC Red Button Herself Performed "Look to the Rainbow" with Barry Manilow
The Alan Titchmarsh Show 2011 ITV Herself Performed "Defying Gravity"
Fern 2011 Channel 4 Herself Interview; performed "I Love a Butterfly" with Brian May
The Hour 2011 STV Herself Interview; performed "I Love a Butterfly" with Brian May
FA Community Shield 2011 Sky Sports Herself Performed the British national anthem at Wembley Stadium
Sanremo Music Festival 2012 2012 Rai 1 Herself Performed "I (Who Have Nothing)" and "We Will Rock You" with Brian May and Irene Fornaciari
The Voice UK 2012 BBC One Herself Auditioned for the show's first series
Foxes Live: Wild in the City 2012 Channel 4 Herself Appeared in a short film about saving foxes with Brian May
Live with… 2012 Channel 5 Herself Interview with Jeff Wayne
The Wright Stuff 2012 Channel 5 Herself Special guest panelist
ITV News London 2013 ITV Herself Interview about Tiger Tracks and animal conservation with Brian May
The Late Late Show 2013 RTÉ One Herself Interview; performed "Life is Real" with Brian May
This Morning 2013 ITV Herself Interview; performed "Born Free" with Brian May
The Alan Titchmarsh Show 2013 ITV Herself Interview; performed "The Kissing Me Song" with Brian May
Sunday Brunch 2013 Channel 4 Herself Interview with Brian May
Big Brother's Bit on the Side 2013 Channel 5 Herself Surprise guest panelist
Pointless Celebrities 2013 BBC One Herself West End special
Diamonds Are Forever: The Don Black Songbook 2014 BBC Four Herself Performed with Brian May
'Musicals: The Greatest Show 2021 BBC One Herself Performed with BBC Concert Orchestra at the London Palladium

Discography

[edit]
See also: Kerry Ellis discography
Solo recordings
Title Year Chart positions
UK
[100]
Wicked in Rock 2008 —
Anthems 2010 15
Acoustic by Candlelight
(with Brian May) 		2013 —
Kerry Ellis 2014 50
Golden Days
(with Brian May) 		2017 27
Feels Like Home 2020 —
Kings & Queens 2023 —
Cast recordings
Title Year Notes
My Fair Lady 2001 Featured as part of the ensemble on the 2001 London cast recording
We Will Rock You 2003 Featured as Meat on "I Want It All", "Headlong", "No-One But You (Only the Good Die Young)" and "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" and as ensemble on several songs on the original London cast recording
Wicked 2008 Featured on "I'm Not that Girl" on the bonus disc of the 5th anniversary edition of the original Broadway cast recording
Chess in Concert 2009 Featured on "Someone Else's Story", "The Deal (No Deal)", "I Know Him So Well" and "Endgame (Part 3)"
The Route To Happiness 2014 With Louise Dearman and Ben Forster
Other recordings
Title Year Notes
Keys: The Music of Scott Alan 2008 Featured on "Behind these Walls" with Scott Alan
Champions of Rock 2009 Featured on several songs
Band of Brothers 2009 Featured on "Somebody to Love" with Only Men Aloud!
Reach for the Skies 2010 Featured on "Wind Beneath My Wings" with RAF Central Band
Bring Him Home 2010 Featured on "Come What May" with Alfie Boe
Music of the Night: The Ultimate Musicals Collection 2011 Featured on "Come What May" with Alfie Boe and "Defying Gravity"
Scott Alan: LIVE 2012 Featured on "Never Neverland (Fly Away)" with Scott Alan
I'll Stand by You 2013 Featured on "Come What May" with Alfie Boe and "Defying Gravity"
Badger Swagger 2013 Featured on "Badger Swagger" with David Attenborough, Brian May, Slash and Shara Nelson

Awards and nominations

[edit]

Throughout her career, Ellis has accrued a total of five wins from thirteen nominations in various audience choice awards for her theatrical and musical work.

Year Nominated work Award Result
2007 Elphaba in Wicked Lastminute.com People's Choice Theatre Award for Favourite Theatre Actress Nominated
2008 Elphaba in Wicked Whatsonstage.com Theatregoers' Choice Award for Best Takeover in a Role Won
2009 Elphaba in Wicked Broadway.com Audience Award for Favorite Female Breakthrough Performance Won
2010 Nancy in Oliver! BroadwayWorld.com UK Award for Best Leading Actress in a Musical Nominated
2011 Nancy in Oliver! Whatsonstage.com Theatregoers' Choice Award for Best Takeover in a Role Nominated
2011 Anthems: The Concert BroadwayWorld.com UK Award for Theatrical Event of the Year Nominated
2012 Anthems: The Concert Whatsonstage.com Theatregoers' Choice Award for Best Solo Performance Won
2013 Kerry Ellis at the Palladium BroadwayWorld.com UK Award for Theatrical Event of the Year Nominated
2015 Elphaba in Wicked Whats on Stage Award for Best Takeover in a Role Won
2015 Kerry Ellis at The Phesantry London Cabaret Award for Best One-off Production Nominated
2015 "Memory" from Cats West End Frame Award for Best Performance of a Song Nominated
2015 Grizabella in Cats BroadwayWorld.com UK Award for Best Featured Actress in a New Production of a Musical Won
2015 Kerry Ellis & Louise Dearman Live in Concert BroadwayWorld.com UK Award for Theatrical Event of the Year Nominated

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Kerry Ellis

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Kerry Jane Ellis (born 6 May 1979) is an English actress and singer renowned for her leading roles in West End and Broadway . Best known for succeeding as in the West End production of Wicked on 1 January 2007 and later portraying the character on Broadway, Ellis has earned acclaim as one of the UK's premier performers. Raised in , , where she grew up in the village of Haughley near , Ellis began performing at an early age and trained at starting at age 16. Her West End debut came in 2001 as understudy for in at the National Theatre and . She quickly rose to prominence by originating the role of in in 2002 at the Dominion Theatre, followed by key roles including in at the Queen's Theatre, in the national tour of , and Nancy in Oliver!. For her performance as , she won the 2008 WhatsOnStage Award for Best Takeover in a Role and the Broadway.com Audience Award for Favorite Female Breakthrough Performance during her 2008–2009 Broadway stint. Beyond theatre, Ellis has pursued a recording career, releasing her debut album Anthems in 2010 on Universal Decca, which peaked at No. 15 on the , and collaborating extensively with Queen guitarist on projects like the 2008 EP Wicked in Rock and live performances at events such as the Royal Variety Performance and the in 2012. Subsequent albums include the self-titled Kerry Ellis (2014), Golden Days (2017) with on , Feels Like Home (2020), and Kings & Queens (2023). In recent years, she has continued starring in productions, including in Cats at the London Palladium in 2015, Mimi in the 20th-anniversary tour of Rent (2013–2014), and in the 2024–2025 tour of 101 Dalmatians. She completed her 2025 tour titled Kerry Ellis - Queen of the West End and starred as Elizabeth in a production of at The in 2025.

Early life and education

Childhood and family

Kerry Jane Ellis was born on 6 May 1979 in Haughley, a small village near in , . She grew up in a supportive family environment, with her father working as a policeman and her mother employed in . Ellis has an older brother named , who later established a fishing consultancy. Her parents actively encouraged her interests by driving her to various activities and enrolling her in local classes from a young age. Ellis's childhood in rural Suffolk was marked by a blend of hyperactivity and early passion for performance, alongside more typical village pursuits. She was exposed to music through her father's affinity for rock artists like Meat Loaf and Bonnie Tyler, as well as her own admiration for vocal powerhouses such as Liza Minnelli, Barbra Streisand, and Celine Dion. Family support extended to practical measures, like her first non-theatre job at age 13 in a local newsagent, which she balanced with burgeoning artistic pursuits. Signs of her talent emerged early, as Ellis began taking dance classes at a local church hall around age three or four, where she discovered her love for singing and moving to music. By age nine, she made her stage debut as a Munchkin in a production of The Wizard of Oz at the Wolsey Theatre in Ipswich, an experience that fueled her dreams of a professional career in musical theatre. These community performances, combined with the discipline from dance, laid the foundation for her path toward formal training.

Training and early influences

Kerry Ellis attended Stowmarket High School in her hometown of Haughley, Suffolk, where she developed an early interest in performing arts. At the age of nine, she made her stage debut as a Munchkin in a youth production of The Wizard of Oz at the Wolsey Theatre in Ipswich, marking her initial foray into theatre. This experience, supported by her parents who drove her to rehearsals and auditions, fueled her passion despite the demands on her family. In 1995, at age 16, Ellis joined the performance group Starmakers, contributing to their cabaret shows and earning income through summer engagements until 1997. These opportunities honed her skills in live performance while she completed her . Her early influences drew from iconic singers including , , , , and , whose powerful vocals and stage presence inspired her musical aspirations. Determined to pursue a professional career, Ellis left High School at 16 to enroll in a three-year vocational program at in , , from 1995 to 1998. The curriculum emphasized , with intensive training in , , and to prepare students for West End and Broadway stages. This rigorous education, which she credits for building her triple-threat abilities, solidified her commitment to theatre despite the challenges of leaving home early.

Career

Beginnings and My Fair Lady (1998–2002)

Kerry Ellis began her professional theatre career shortly after graduating from in 1998, securing her first role as first to in the UK of The Magic of the Musicals. She stepped in for Webb on several occasions during the tour, gaining early experience in a production that showcased classic musical numbers. This opportunity marked her entry into the industry, where she continued building her resume through and ensemble positions in various productions over the next few years, including touring shows that honed her versatility in . In 2001, Ellis made her West End debut in the revival of My Fair Lady at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, directed by Trevor Nunn, initially cast as a swing covering ensemble roles and as second understudy to Martine McCutcheon in the lead role of Eliza Doolittle. The production faced significant disruptions due to illnesses affecting McCutcheon and her primary understudy, Alexandra Jay, leading to Ellis performing as Eliza on at least five occasions during the show's run from April 2001 to September 2002. These sudden promotions thrust the relatively inexperienced Ellis into the spotlight, requiring her to deliver the demanding role—known for its vocal and dramatic intensity—opposite Jonathan Pryce as Henry Higgins, often with little rehearsal time. Ellis's performances as received positive attention amid the production's challenges, with audiences and critics noting her capable handling of the character's transformation from flower girl to refined lady, particularly in songs like "" and "I Could Have Danced All Night." The experience significantly elevated her profile in the West End, establishing her as a reliable performer adept at high-pressure situations and paving the way for lead roles in subsequent productions.

We Will Rock You, Miss Saigon, and Les Misérables (2002–2006)

In 2002, Kerry Ellis originated the role of , a rebellious Bohemian character, in the West End production of at the Dominion Theatre, where she performed until April 2004. The musical, featuring Queen's hits, showcased Ellis's powerful vocals in rock anthems, earning praise for her "heavy metal and gutsy singing" as the character inspired by the rock legend . Her casting came through collaboration with Queen members, including guitarist , who spotted her during her understudy work in and helped launch her into a lead role. Following her run in , Ellis took on the role of , the American wife of soldier Chris, in the UK touring production of starting in 2004. Performing across venues including the Theatre Royal in Plymouth, she delivered emotionally charged scenes that highlighted the character's compassion amid the story's tragedy, with reviewers noting her "vocally beautiful" performance in key moments like embracing the child Tam. This role marked a shift from the high-energy rock style of to the dramatic intensity of a classic musical, further demonstrating her versatility. In June 2005, Ellis joined the West End revival of at the Queen's Theatre as , a role she held until June 2006, portraying the tragic factory worker's descent into despair and sacrifice. Her interpretation emphasized the emotional depth of Fantine's arc, particularly in songs conveying maternal anguish and redemption, solidifying her reputation for conveying profound vulnerability on stage. These successive lead roles in iconic productions helped build Ellis's fanbase and attract media attention as a rising leading lady capable of transitioning between rock-infused energy and heartfelt drama.

Wicked, Broadway debut, and Chess (2006–2009)

In 2007, Kerry Ellis assumed the role of in the West End production of Wicked at the Apollo Victoria Theatre, marking her as the first British actress to portray the green-skinned witch. She began performances on January 1, following Idina Menzel's limited run, and continued through June 7, 2008. The part demanded exceptional vocal prowess, with Ellis navigating the role's signature high belts and emotional range in songs like "Defying Gravity," which requires sustained power in the upper register. Ellis's interpretation earned widespread praise for its intensity and rock-inflected tone, honed from prior dramatic leads, leading to the 2008 Whatsonstage.com Award for Best Actress in a Musical. Her tenure solidified Wicked's status as a London phenomenon, drawing over 7,000 attendees nightly during her run. Transitioning to New York, Ellis made her Broadway debut as Elphaba on June 17, 2008, at the Gershwin Theatre, replacing Stephanie J. Block in the long-running production. She performed through January 11, 2009, bringing her established portrayal to American audiences and becoming the first British Elphaba on Broadway. The move highlighted differences in transatlantic theatre, with Ellis adapting to larger-scale lighting and the intense pace of eight weekly shows. Her fresh take resonated, securing the Broadway.com Audience Award for Favorite Female Breakthrough Performance in 2008. Amid her Broadway stint, Ellis expanded her repertoire by playing Svetlana in the May 12, 2008, concert staging of Chess at the Royal Albert Hall, directed by and featuring as Florence and as Anatoly. As the wife of the Soviet chess champion, her role involved poignant numbers like "Someone Else's Story," showcasing her dramatic depth in a star-studded ensemble that included as Freddie. The event, recorded for commercial release, underscored Ellis's growing international profile. In 2009, after vacating Broadway, Ellis briefly reprised in until May 9, followed by her debut solo concerts, Kerry Ellis Sings the Great British Songbook, at the Shaw Theatre on June 20–21 and 25–26. These performances celebrated British musical theater with over 20 songs, including Queen anthems, and marked her shift toward cabaret-style presentations.

Oliver!, Anthems tour, and (2010–2013)

In 2010, Kerry Ellis returned to the West End stage by taking over the role of Nancy in the revival of Oliver! at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, beginning on 29 March and continuing until the production closed on 8 January 2011. Her portrayal of the sympathetic yet tragic character earned praise for its emotional depth and vocal power, contributing to the show's successful two-year run. That same year, Ellis launched her solo career with the release of her debut album Anthems in October, produced by , with whom she had previously collaborated during her time as Meat in . Building on this partnership, Ellis and May embarked on the Anthems: The Queen + Kerry Ellis Tour in 2011, a 12-date UK headlining tour that began with two charity concerts at the Royal Albert Hall on 1 May and included stops at venues such as Philharmonic Hall, Birmingham Symphony Hall, and Bath Forum. The performances featured a mix of tracks from Anthems, including originals like "Dangerland" and "I Can't Be Your Friend," alongside covers such as Stephen Schwartz's "I'm Not That Girl" from Wicked and Queen hits like "Somebody to Love" and "," showcasing Ellis's versatile and May's signature guitar work. In early 2012, Ellis appeared on the debut series of , performing "" during the blind auditions, though none of the coaches turned their chairs, highlighting the competitive nature of the singing competition. Later that year, she joined the cast of Jeff Wayne's arena tour of as Beth, performing alongside and Ricky Wilson of the , with shows including a sold-out date at on 6 December. The production, which ran from November 2012 to January 2013, featured holographic elements and a full , reviving the 1978 album's narrative of Martian invasion through live musical spectacle. Ellis closed out the period with a return to RENT in 2013, starring as Mimi in the 20th anniversary , which launched on 25 April in and visited multiple cities, including a limited two-week engagement she joined midway. Co-starring Rory Taylor as , the semi-staged production celebrated the rock opera's themes of and in the AIDS crisis, with Ellis's performance emphasizing Mimi's vulnerability and resilience.

Return to Wicked, Cats, and recent productions (2014–2025)

In 2014, Kerry Ellis returned to the West End production of Wicked at the Apollo Victoria Theatre, reprising her signature role as for a limited 12-week engagement from 4 August to 25 October, marking her first appearance in the show since 2009. This temporary stint filled in for , who had withdrawn due to injury, and allowed Ellis to perform select dates around her concert schedule. In early 2015, Ellis took on the role of in the revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Cats at the London Palladium, succeeding in the production that ran from December 2014 to April 2015. Her portrayal of the ageing glamour cat, featuring the iconic song "," earned acclaim for its emotional depth and vocal power, from 9 February to 25 April 2015. Ellis continued her concert career in 2019 with a series of solo performances and appearances, including collaborations that highlighted her musical theatre repertoire. However, the COVID-19 pandemic severely disrupted her plans in 2020, leading to the cancellation or postponement of multiple tours, such as an international production of Cats where she was scheduled to reprise Grizabella. The broader theatre shutdown forced Ellis to pivot to virtual performances and recordings, including a Christmas single with Brian May to support relief efforts. In late 2024, Ellis joined the UK and Ireland tour of 101 Dalmatians The Musical as the villainous , performing the role during the final leg from 3 to 7 December 2024 at the New Theatre in and 17 December 2024 to 5 January 2025 at the Theatre Royal . This marked her embrace of a new antagonistic character in Douglas Hodge's adaptation, showcasing her versatility in family-oriented . Ellis launched her solo tour Queen of the West End in 2025, a 50-date UK run blending career anecdotes, musical highlights from shows like Wicked and Les Misérables, and original material, with stops including 23 October at the City Varieties Music Hall in Leeds and November dates across venues such as the Exeter Corn Exchange on 23 November. The tour, which reflects on her two-decade journey, coincides with additional performances like an artist spotlight at MusicalCon on 18 October in and her New York debut at 54 Below on 31 January 2025, featuring songs from her Broadway and West End credits. In February 2025, she starred as Elizabeth in the UK premiere concert production of at the .

Works and credits

Theatre roles

Kerry Ellis began her professional theatre career as an understudy for Eliza Doolittle in the 2001 revival of My Fair Lady, directed by Trevor Nunn, at the National Theatre and subsequently the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, where she performed the role during the 2001–2002 run. In 2002, she originated the role of Meat in We Will Rock You at the Dominion Theatre, directed by Christopher Renshaw, performing from May 14, 2002, until April 2004. Ellis took on the role of Ellen in the UK tour revival of , directed by , beginning June 14, 2004, at the Theatre Royal Plymouth and continuing through 2005 at various venues including the Theatre Royal Drury Lane. She joined the West End production of as at the Queen's Theatre from June 7, 2005, to 2006, under the direction of . In Wicked, Ellis initially understudied before assuming the lead role in the West End production at the Apollo Victoria Theatre, directed by , from October 2007 to June 7, 2008; she returned briefly from December 1, 2008, to May 9, 2009. Ellis made her Broadway debut as in Wicked at the from June 17, 2008, to November 9, 2008. She performed as Svetlana in the concert production of Chess at the Royal Albert Hall, directed by Hugh Wooldridge, on May 12–13, 2008. Ellis portrayed Nancy in the West End revival of Oliver!, directed by , at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane from March 29, 2010, to January 8, 2011. In the 20th anniversary of RENT, she played Mimi across UK venues from January to February 2013, including the Grand Opera House in . Ellis returned to Wicked as Elphaba in the West End at the Apollo Victoria Theatre from August 4 to October 25, 2014. She assumed the role of Grizabella in the revival of Cats, directed by Trevor Nunn, at the London Palladium from February 9 to April 25, 2015. In 2016, Ellis starred as Sara in the West End premiere of Murder Ballad at the Arts Theatre from September 29. She originated the role of Alice in the UK tour of Wonderland in 2017, performing at venues including the Edinburgh Playhouse and Sunderland Empire. Ellis starred as Reno Sweeney in the West End revival of Anything Goes at the Barbican Theatre from June 29 to October 2, 2022, followed by a UK tour. From December 3–7, 2024, at the New Theatre, Oxford, and December 17, 2024–January 5, 2025, at the Theatre Royal, Brighton, she portrayed Cruella de Vil in the UK and Ireland tour of 101 Dalmatians The Musical, directed by Bill Buckhurst. Ellis starred as Elizabeth in the UK premiere concerts of , with music by Tom Kitt and book/lyrics by , at the on February 10 and 17, 2025.

Concerts and tours

Kerry Ellis launched her concert career prominently through the Anthems: The Tour in 2011, a collaborative outing with Queen guitarist that marked her debut as a headlining performer outside of . The tour comprised 16 shows across the , commencing with back-to-back performances at the Royal Albert Hall in on May 1, 2011. It continued at the Philharmonic Hall in on May 3, The Sage in on May 5, City Hall in on May 6, Royal Concert Hall in on May 8, Symphony Hall in Birmingham on May 9, Festival Theatre in on May 11, Royal Concert Hall in on May 12, St David's Hall in on May 14, Bridgewater Hall in on May 16, The Theatre in on May 18, Cliffs Pavilion in Southend on May 19, and The Forum in Bath on May 21, with additional dates at on June 11 and The Orange College Hall Officers Mess in Cranwell on July 16. The Anthems setlist blended Ellis's original material from her album Anthems with covers and Queen classics, typically opening with "Dangerland" and "I'm Not That Girl" from Wicked, followed by "I Can't Be Your Friend," "Diamonds Are Forever," "Somebody to Love," "No-One But You (Only the Good Die Young)," "The Show Must Go On," "Who Wants to Live Forever," "Love of My Life," and "Last Horizon," before closing with encores of "Tie Your Mother Down," "We Will Rock You," and "God Save the Queen." Ellis's solo concert debut occurred on May 12, 2013, at the London Palladium, titled Kerry Ellis in Concert, where she was joined by special guest for select numbers, drawing on her theatre repertoire and new material to a sold-out audience. This success led to her first solo tour, Kerry Ellis in Concert, in autumn 2014, which visited multiple venues including the Gala Theatre in Durham on October 10, in London on October 26, and others across , featuring songs from her albums Anthems and Golden Days alongside musical theatre standards. Ellis has made notable guest appearances at the Royal Albert Hall, including a performance of "Anthem" with Brian May at the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance on November 13, 2010; the launch shows of the Anthems tour on May 1, 2011; and a recent collaboration with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra on November 5, 2024, where she performed "Anything Goes" and other selections from musicals. In early 2025, Ellis made her New York cabaret debut at on January 31 and February 1, presenting Kerry Ellis: A Broadway and West End Sensation, a program highlighting her career-spanning hits such as "Defying Gravity" from Wicked, "Don't Rain on My Parade" from Funny Girl, and "Shallow" from A Star Is Born, to enthusiastic crowds despite inclement weather. Ellis's 2025 Queen of the West End tour, her latest solo outing, began in September and encompassed venues with international extensions, including the Playhouse on September 18, Thornden Hall in on September 19, Alnwick Playhouse on September 23, Memo Arts Centre in Barry on November 14, The Riverfront in Newport on November 12, McMillan Theatre in on November 13, Central Hall in on November 8, and the Quad Theatre in Plymouth on November 19, among others up to early November. The show celebrated her West End legacy with a set of favorites and personal anecdotes.

Film roles

Kerry Ellis's film career is modest, with only a handful of credited appearances that underscore her theatre-centric path. In 2012, she portrayed a wench in the ensemble during the "Master of the House" sequence of the musical adaptation , directed by , where she contributed to the lively tavern scene alongside and . Ellis expanded her screen presence with cameo roles in the Wicked film adaptations. She appeared briefly in Wicked: Part One (2024), spotted in the Emerald City during the "One Short Day" number, paying homage to her iconic stage portrayal of Elphaba. She also features in a cameo in Wicked: Part Two (2025), though specific details remain under wraps, marking a full-circle moment for the actress who originated the role in the West End. No other major film roles or voice work in animated features have been credited to Ellis as of 2025, aligning with her emphasis on live performances and musical recordings.

Television appearances

Kerry Ellis has appeared on various British television programmes, often performing musical numbers or participating as a guest in entertainment and quiz formats. In 2012, Ellis auditioned as a contestant on the first series of , performing "" during the blind auditions; however, none of the coaches turned their chairs, and she did not advance in the competition. She performed "" alongside on the second series of Tonight's the Night in 2010, a where amateur performers were mentored by celebrities. Ellis has made multiple guest appearances on Pointless Celebrities, a show featuring famous faces, including the West End special in series 5 (2014), the episode in series 11 (2019), and a general special in series 15 (2022). In 2021, she contributed a performance of "Defying Gravity" from Wicked to the BBC Two documentary special Musicals: The Greatest Show, which celebrated iconic numbers. More recently, Ellis appeared as a guest on in series 5 (2022), discussing her career alongside broadcaster . In August 2025, she was interviewed on about her return to the West End for a concert at , promoting her ongoing tour and work.
YearShowRole/Appearance
2010Tonight's the Night (BBC One)Performer (with Brian May)
2012The Voice UK (BBC One)Contestant (blind audition)
2014Pointless Celebrities (BBC One, West End special)Participant
2019Pointless Celebrities (BBC One, Musical Theatre)Participant
2021Musicals: The Greatest Show (BBC Two)Performer
2022Pointless Celebrities (BBC One, Special)Participant
2022Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh (ITV)Guest
2025ITV News LondonInterviewee

Discography

Kerry Ellis's recorded output spans studio albums, an , singles, and contributions to cast recordings, often blending standards with rock and pop influences, frequently in collaboration with of Queen. Her debut release was the EP Wicked in Rock in 2008, produced and arranged by May with on drums, featuring rock-infused versions of songs from the musical Wicked alongside a Queen cover. The EP includes three tracks: "Defying Gravity," "I'm Not That Girl," and "No-One But You (Only the Good Die Young)." Ellis's first studio album, Anthems (2010), was also produced by May and released by Decca Records, reaching number 15 on the UK Albums Chart and remaining there for two weeks. It mixes original material, musical theatre covers, and film songs, with May contributing guitar and co-writing several tracks. The album produced two singles: "I'm Not That Girl," backed with an acoustic version of "Defying Gravity," and "Anthem." Its tracklist is as follows:
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1"Dangerland"Brian May5:59
2"Anthem"May3:17
3"I Can't Be Your Friend"May, Kerry Ellis3:55
4"Defying Gravity"Stephen Schwartz4:16
5"I'm Not That Girl"Schwartz3:48
6"You Have to Be There"May4:27
7"Love It When You Call That Name"May, Ellis4:13
8"Save Me"May3:47
9"The Kiss of the Winter"May4:35
10"Memory"Andrew Lloyd Webber, Trevor Nunn, Richard Stilgoe4:11
11"Love of My Life"Freddie Mercury3:57
12"I Know Him So Well"Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus, Tim Rice4:13
13"No-One But You (Only the Good Die Young)"May4:13
14"Don't Cry for Me Argentina"Lloyd Webber, Rice5:57
15"Born Free"Don Black, John Barry4:10
In 2014, Ellis released her self-titled sophomore album through Absolute Marketing Group, marking her first without May as primary producer and focusing on covers of musical and pop standards. It debuted at number 32 on the . Notable singles included "" from Disney's Frozen. The tracklist comprises:
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1"", 4:01
2"I Could Have Danced All Night", 3:38
3"Take That Look Off Your Face"B.A. Robertson, 4:08
4"As Long as He Needs Me"2:56
5"Who Will Buy"Bart3:10
6"On the Street Where You Live"Lerner, Loewe4:53
7"", , Herbert Kretzmer3:26
8""Marilyn Bergman, Alan Bergman, 3:00
9"Gimme Love"Unknown5:47
10"Alfie", 2:43
11"(I've Had) The Time of My Life" (feat. )Franke Previte, , Donald Markowitz4:34
12"Take That Look Off Your Face (G-A-Y Remix)"Robertson, Batt3:44
Ellis reunited with May for her third studio album, Golden Days (2017), released by Sony Music, which debuted at number 41 on the UK Albums Chart. The album features duets and originals with a mix of rock and ballad styles, including covers like "Parisienne Walkways." Its tracklist includes:
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1"Love in a Rainbow"May, Ellis4:20
2"Roll with You"May, Ellis3:45
3"Golden Days"May, Ellis4:10
4"It's Gonna Be All Right"May3:55
5"Amazing Grace"Traditional4:30
6"One Voice"Barry Manilow3:50
7"If I Loved You"Rodgers, Hammerstein4:15
8"Parisienne Walkways"Gary Moore, Phil Lynott5:20
9"Born Free"Black, Barry4:05
10"The Kissing You"Des'ree, Tim Atack4:40
11"I (Who Have Nothing)"Carlo Donida, Jerry Leiber, Mike Stoller3:25
12"Dust in the Wind"Kerry Livgren3:35
13"The Show Must Go On"Queen4:28
Ellis released her fourth studio album, Feels Like Home (2020), through Auburn Jam Records on February 21, 2020. The album consists of covers of pop, rock, and songs. Its tracklist is:
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1, 3:00
23:36
3"Ticket to Ride", 2:45
4Benj Pasek, Justin Paul4:28
5"Shallow", , , 3:40
6"Feels Like Home"3:32
7"She Used to Be Mine"3:44
8"Feed the Birds", 4:10
9"I (Who Have Nothing)"Carlo Donida, Jerry Leiber, Mike Stoller2:54
103:52
Her fifth studio album, Kings & Queens (2023), released independently via Westway Music on May 12, 2023, features guest appearances by May on "" and Newton Faulkner on "Mean the World to Me," emphasizing empowerment themes through covers and originals. It did not enter the top 40 but received positive reviews for its production by Mike Stevens. The tracklist is:
No.TitleFeaturingLength
1"Kings & Queens"3:45
2""4:10
3""4:20
4"I Will Find You"3:50
5"Mean the World to Me"3:55
6"Big Wide World"4:00
7"The Only One"3:40
8"Fire & Rain"4:15
9"Lemonade"3:30
10"My All"4:05
11"Love Wins"3:35
12"Home Again"4:25
In 2025, Ellis appeared on the cast album Following Jimmy Valentine, an audio musical adaptation with music by Jeff Flaster, where she performs as Jen Price alongside . Released on October 3, 2025, by melodic.com, it includes 18 tracks blending spoken word and songs. Ellis has contributed to several cast recordings. She performed on Chess in Concert (2008), a live album from the Royal Albert Hall production directed by , featuring her as Svetlana alongside and ; her solos include "Someone Else's Story" and "I Know Him So Well." She also appears in the ensemble on the soundtrack for the film (2012), directed by , contributing to "Master of the House." Additionally, she features on Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of The War of the Worlds: (2012), voicing Beth. Among her singles, notable releases include "Battlefield" (2023) from Kings & Queens, featuring May, and recent 2025 singles such as "With All My Heart" and "Always Starting Over" (from the musical If/Then), released independently. Earlier singles like "No-One But You" (2008) from the Wicked in Rock EP also received airplay. As of November 2025, Ellis has no further full-length studio albums announced beyond Kings & Queens, though she continues to issue tour-related singles.

Personal life and other activities

Family and relationships

Kerry Ellis married James Townsend, a football coach and manager, in September 2011. The couple has two sons: Alfie, born in October 2013, and Freddie, born in 2015. Ellis and her family reside in a four-bedroom converted barn in , close to , where she relocated from her Suffolk hometown at age 16 to pursue her training and early career opportunities. Throughout her career, including her 2008 Broadway debut as in Wicked, Ellis has relied on strong family support to navigate the demands of touring and long-distance commitments, with her parents and later her husband providing essential encouragement and logistical help during extended absences. As a mother, Ellis has described the ongoing challenge of balancing intensive theatre schedules with parenting, often highlighting the flexibility of concert tours over fixed eight-show weeks, which allows her more time at home. She credits Townsend's involvement and her extended family's assistance as key to maintaining family stability amid her professional travels.

Podcast, publications, and media ventures

In 2020, Kerry Ellis launched the podcast Keep Calm and Kerry On, which features discussions on theatre life, career challenges, and personal insights from guests in the performing arts. By 2025, the podcast had completed four seasons, with episodes available on platforms like Spotify and Acast. Notable guests include Brian May, who in a 2021 episode reversed roles to interview Ellis about her career trajectory. Other interviewees, such as Beverley Knight, Alfie Boe, and Rita Simons, have shared experiences from stage and screen work. Ellis's first book, the autobiography Bumpkin to Broadway, was published in November 2021 by Playdead Press and chronicles her journey from rural origins to leading roles in West End and Broadway productions. The volume includes a foreword by and emphasizes her early professional breakthroughs. In July 2024, Ellis released her memoir Queen of the West End, which details more than two decades of her theatre career, including collaborations and behind-the-scenes stories from major productions. The book, published by A Way With Media, was promoted alongside her one-woman tour of the same title, which began in September 2024. It has been praised for offering candid reflections on the highs and lows of stage stardom. Ellis has grown her digital footprint through social media and online educational initiatives, with a 2023 digital overhaul resulting in a 550% surge in website traffic and the addition of features for fan engagement. Between 2023 and 2025, she led online masterclasses focused on skills, including a 12-week course titled How to Succeed in Musical Theatre as an Artist and a 10-week program in partnership with Perform Ready, covering , , auditions, and industry navigation.

Recognition

Awards and nominations

Kerry Ellis has garnered recognition for her standout performances in , particularly her iconic portrayal of in Wicked, earning her multiple audience-voted honors early in her career as a leading lady. While she has not secured major critic-driven awards like the Olivier, her fan-based accolades highlight her appeal and impact in both West End and Broadway productions. Post-2010, her awards have been more sporadic, with a notable return to acclaim for revisiting signature roles.
YearAwardCategoryNominated forResultCitation
2008WhatsOnStage Theatregoers' Choice AwardBest Takeover in a Role in Wicked (West End)Won
2009Broadway.com Audience Choice AwardFavorite Breakthrough Performance (Female) in Wicked (Broadway)Won
2011WhatsOnStage AwardBest Actress in a MusicalNancy in Oliver! (West End)Nominated
2015WhatsOnStage AwardBest Takeover in a Role in Wicked (West End)Won

Legacy and influence

Kerry Ellis has earned the moniker "Queen of the West End" through her versatile soprano performances in iconic roles across productions like Wicked, Les Misérables, and We Will Rock You, as well as her musical collaborations with Queen's Brian May, including the albums Anthems (2010) and Golden Days (2017), and joint tours such as Anthems: The Tour (2013). Her ability to embody complex characters with emotional depth and vocal power has solidified her status as a leading figure in British musical theatre. Ellis's influence extends to mentoring aspiring actors, highlighted by her role as patron of the in 2025, where she supports young performers through workshops and opportunities, and episodes of her podcast Keep Calm and Kerry On, which features candid discussions on career challenges and triumphs with industry peers, inspiring newcomers to persevere. Her 2025 "Queen of the West End" tour further amplifies this mentorship by blending performances of musical hits with personal storytelling about landing breakthrough roles, fostering a direct connection with audiences and emerging talent. In media interviews, such as a 2025 reflection on her 25-year career, Ellis portrays her journey as one of resilience amid industry shifts, emphasizing the joys of over broader fame, while noting her limited crossover to major films—primarily cameos in (2012) and Wicked: For Good (2025)—which underscores her preference for stage authenticity. Ellis's portrayal of Elphaba in the West End production of Wicked from 2007 holds cultural significance as the first British actor in the role, marking a milestone in UK musical theatre by bringing a native perspective to the character's themes of defiance and empowerment, influencing subsequent interpretations and the show's enduring popularity. Her fanbase has grown notably through social media from 2023 to 2025, driven by tour announcements, podcast clips, and Wicked-related content, resulting in heightened engagement and a 550% surge in website traffic tied to online promotions.

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