Kerry Ellis returns to Wicked!

It has been announced that Kerry Ellis will return to Wicked from Monday 4th August until Saturday 25th October 2014.

Willemijn Verkaik will play her final performance as Elphaba this Saturday (19th July 2014 at 7.30pm). She departs the production in order to have surgery to address an ongoing back condition (click here for further information).

Michael McCabe, Executive Producer of Wicked said: “We are all so sorry that Willemijn’s truly remarkable international journey with Wicked, that began in Germany in 2007, should end prematurely. It is only her extraordinary determination and professionalism that has enabled her to continue performing to date despite enduring extreme pain and discomfort. 

"We are very grateful to her and pleased that many thousands of West End theatregoers did get the opportunity of seeing her wonderful performance as Elphaba since she joined the cast in November 2013. On behalf of the entire company, we wish Willemijn a full and speedy recovery. In the meantime, we are absolutely thrilled to welcome back the incredible Kerry Ellis to the role that won her awards both in the West End and on Broadway for a very special limited season.”

Kerry Ellis said: “It is an absolute thrill for me to be returning to this amazing show and the incredible role of Elphaba that is so very special to me. I can’t wait to be green again and join this fantastic cast”.

Kerry Ellis will not be appearing in Wicked on Tuesday 19th August, Saturday 27th September, Thursday 2nd October - Friday 10th October, Tuesday 14th - Thursday 16th October and Saturday 18th October due to her concert appearances.

Nikki Davis-Jones takes over as Elphaba in the West End production of Wicked at the Apollo Victoria Theatre from Monday 27th October 2014.

Kerry Ellis was a member of the original London cast of Wicked and became the first British actress to play the coveted role when she replaced Idina Menzel in January 2007. She subsequently played the role to great acclaim on Broadway.

Since understudying Martine McCutcheon in Cameron Mackintosh's production of My Fair Lady in 2000, Kerry Ellis has gone on to have the most incredible career. She originated the role of Meat in We Will Rock You. Ellis has also starred in some of the West End's most iconic shows, her credits include playing Ellen in Miss Saigon, Fantine in Les Misérables and Nancy in Oliver. 

She has also worked closely with Queen’s Brian May over the years. Together they have released several albums and toured the world multiple times. Kerry recently performed 'For Good' with Kristin Chenoweth at the Royal Albert Hall.