Review: Kerry Ellis in concert with special guests live at the London Palladium

Kerry Ellis in concert with special guests
Live at the London Palladium
Sunday 12th May 2013

In 2009 Kerry Ellis performed her first one-woman concert at the Shaw Theatre. Four years later she was understandably a little overwhelmed to be headlining her own one-woman show at the London Palladium. Kerry Ellis has become one of the most respected actresses in musical theatre, she created the role of Meat in We Will Rock You, was the first British actress to play Elphaba in both the West End and Broadway productions of Wicked and has played many iconic roles including Ellen in Miss Saigon, Fantine in Les Miserables and Nancy in Oliver. Kerry's concert at the Palladium was an opportunity for her to celebrate her career and "give something back" to her extremely supportive fans.

The evening began with Woman The Band performing a few songs. They performed some well known hits but added their unique country sound to each one. I love the fact they performed each song for a reason. All three ladies were great with the crowd and gave powerhouse vocal performances.

After a short interval Kerry graced the stage singing hauntingly beautiful versions of Diamonds Are Forever (from her 2010 Album, Anthems) and Adele's Skyfall. Kerry has a lovely rich tone to her voice and it never fails to amaze me how she can sing almost anything.

Musical director and composer Craig Adams had worked with Kerry to arrange each number. Kerry never just performs cover versions, she plays around with tracks and makes everything her own. Her music always has a very identifiable sound. Craig was also given the opportunity to showcase his own music as West End favourite Alex Gaumond joined Kerry to perform a duet called If You Could Know from a new musical he is writing.

Kerry is known for supporting new writing and talent so it was only right that she was joined for several numbers by the Arts Educational School Choir. She spoke about how she still remembers doing similar performances while she was training so she was delighted she could give others the same opportunity.

As the evening was about celebrating her theatre career Kerry performed numbers from some of the musicals she has starred in. She gave a very gentle rendition of As Long As He Needs Me, followed by an unrecognisable arrangement of Who Will Buy from Oliver. She also stepped into the spotlight to sing a heartwarming version of I Dreamed A Dream, the audience were thrilled, applauding within seconds.

The evening was extremely entertaining as Kerry's personality shined though when she told stories from her career which began with her understudying Martine McCutcheon in My Fair Lady. Therefore, it was quite fitting for her to perform a smooth version of On The Street Where You Live from the show, a song she would not normally have the opportunity to sing (as it is usually sung by a man).

Kerry was joined by rock legend Brian May to perform an acoustic set. The pair have worked together over the years, touring and releasing music. They have wonderful on-stage chemistry and their different styles compliment each other nicely. Together they create a very special sound.

There were also a few surprises in store including a Michael Jackson tribute and a guest appearance from Rory Taylor. But without doubt, the highlight of my evening was the show's finale, a quartet version of Defying Gravity from Wicked featuring guest stars Alexia Khadime, Rachel Tucker and Louise Dearman. To see four (out of the five) actresses who have played Elphaba in the West End on the same stage was quite a surreal, mindblowing experience. Each actress was greeted to huge applause from the crowd. Defying Gravity is known for its almighty climax and famous last note. As the four stars went down the line, each belting out the final note one at a time I thought I was going to pass out.

We were then treated to an encore of No-One But You which Kerry performed during her time in We Will Rock You. I have heard the song many times but when Kerry sings it she connects to the lyrics and melody like nobody else can and I was left in floods of tears. I see four or five shows a week but I have never cried my eyes out so much in a theatre, it was a little embarrassing!

Finally Kerry exclusively performed her new single (which is out next month), The Kissing Me Song which is one of the catchiest songs I have ever heard in my life. She was once again joined by Brian May (who co-wrote the song). He ended the evening with one of his spectacular guitar solos.

I loved that Kerry seemed to relish every single moment. She gave the most astounding performances. She is well known for her strong belt but also proved that she has a gentle side to her voice meaning she can sing pretty much anything. I don't think it will be too long before Kerry is headlining her next high profile one-woman show. I clapped so hard that my hands are still throbbing.

Reviewed by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)
andrew@westendframe.com

Visit Kerry’s Website: www.kerryellis.com
Follow Kerry on Twitter: @kerryjaneellis1

Kerry is guest starring in The West End Men at the Vaudeville Theatre from 25th May until 22nd June 2013. Click here to book tickets (please note Kerry Ellis appears until 15th June).

Click here to read our interview with Kerry from May 2013
Click here to read our interview with Kerry from November 2012

Photo Credit: Francyne Carr

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