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Kerry Ellis is one of the West End's biggest stars. She is currently visiting venues across the UK as part of her Born Free tour with Queen's Brian May. Later this month Kerry will play Beth in the European Arena tour of Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of The War of The Worlds. Next year she will again tour the UK with the 20th anniversary concert production of Rent.
Kerry's theatre credits include creating the role of Meat in We Will Rock You, Ellen in Miss Saigon, Fantine in Les Misérables, Elphaba in Wicked (West End & Broadway) and Nancy in Oliver!.
Kerry talks to West End Frame about being back in the studio with Brian, playing Beth in War of the Worlds and plans of touring again next year...
If 14 years ago someone told you that in 14 years time you would have played some of the most iconic female roles in the West End, recorded an album with Queen legend Brian May and completed two UK tours with him, what would you have said?
Well I always used to say to myself you have to dream big. I have been very fortunate with the things I have achieved and I am still dreaming big.
You are currently in the middle of your Born Free UK tour. Are you enjoying it?
LOVING IT!!!!!!! I feel very blessed and honoured to be working again with Brian and touring for such a good cause makes it very special. The Born Free Foundation is important to both Brian and I and we felt that the single will not only spread awareness but also help with funding too.
What makes this tour different from your Anthems tour?
It's acoustic. Only Brian, myself and keyboards. It’s intimate and has a real journey. We tell stories and have real interaction with the audience. It's wonderful.
You have also released a charity single with Brian May to coincide with the tour. Was it fun being back in the studio recording the single?
I love being in the studio. We have been working hard on a new album and hopefully it will follow this tour soon, in fact we have had so much response to our Born Free tour we are talking about extending it next year.
Later this month you will begin playing Beth in the European arena tour of War Of The Worlds. Are you looking forward to it?
I can’t wait, it's such a big deal. The line up is amazing and I can’t wait to start rehearsals. It’s a huge arena tour which is something new to me but I am very excited.
Do you enjoy touring or do you find it difficult being away from home so often?
The tours I do are usually for short periods of time so it's fine. I am a home girl but also love love love what I do and wouldn't change a thing.
Next year you will perform in the 20th anniversary concert production of Rent. Is this a show you have always wanted to be part of?
I am looking forward to the show. I haven’t really got my head round it yet as it's crazy busy for me right now, but I love the songs from Rent and the beauty of being in a concert is that you get to sing songs you wouldn't usually get to sing. I'm looking forward to working with Rory Taylor again who joined me as a guest at my recent residency at the Hippodrome. He’s a rock star and I think the concert will be great fun.
Have you managed to catch any West End shows recently, and if so which have been your favourites?
Sadly not as I have been working so much, but I did squeeze in a trip to see my good friend Scarlet Strallen in Singin' In The Rain and loved it. It’s such a classy show and it's always great fun to see your friends.
Have you got any dream roles you would like to play in the future?
There are sooooooo many!! But ultimately I would love to play something new that hasn't been written yet.
What advice would you give to any aspiring performers?
Just don’t give up!
Finally, what would you like to say to all of your fans who have supported you throughout your career?
I am always overwhelmed by my fans and supporters and their commitment, I hope I can continue to entertain them and keep them coming. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!
Brian May & Kerry Ellis's Born Free single is available to download now on iTunes.
Visit Kerry's website for more information: www.kerryellis.com
You can follow Kerry on Twitter @KerryJaneEllis1
You can follow Kerry on Twitter @KerryJaneEllis1
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