Kerry Ellis is a 43-year-old British Stage Actress from England, United Kingdom. She played Beth in the theater production of The War of the Worlds, which initially starred Richard Burton. A DVD of the tour will also be available by Christmas 2013. She is a member of famous Actress with the age 43 years old group. "[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. He also made reference to her cult following built from her Wicked days, labelling her "our local green goddess of song." 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 scne festival 2013 in the east of France. (PHOTOS)", "LIVE: THE VOICE Featuring Kerry Ellis Audition! She now travels with an entourage but its not her entourage, it belongs to her six month old son Alfie who accompanies her on tour. "[14], During her run in My Fair Lady, Queen guitarist Brian May and music director Mike Dixon came to see the production. Cloudflare Ray ID: 7a2f5f216efc1511 After meeting Queen guitarist Brian May in 2002, Ellis expanded her repertoire as a solo artist. 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. Like every mum with a new baby, Suffolk-born West End star Kerry Ellis, had to deal with the big question: whens the right time to go back to work? , money, salary, income, and assets. 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. (Image: Archant). Born and raised in Suffolk, Ellis began performing at an early age before training at Laine Theatre Arts from the age of 16. 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, 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. 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. James Townsend's wife is Kerry Ellis. 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 2017, Ellis starred as Alice in the UK tour of Wonderland. Kerry Ellis was married in 2011 to James Townsend. Kerry Ellis has been married once, in 2011. Copyright FameChain 2023, All rights reserved. The show was such a success that she has decided to capture the spirit of it on her new album which she has financed through crowd-funding getting fans to pre-buy it and offering them exclusive backstage access at gigs, visits to rehearsals and trips to the studio during the recording process. Last year she also cast in the 20th anniversary production of Rent and realised a personal ambition by staging a sold-out solo show at the London Palladium. Who are the richest people on earth right now? Kerry Ellis with her son Alfie in a quiet moment at home. And mother and son then went on tour around Britain with the musical Rent, which celebrated its 20th anniversary last year and was so popular that extra dates were added this year. She married James Townsend in 2011. [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). The sold-out performance at The O2 Arena was recorded and was released in cinemas in April and will be on DVD in November. 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. Her audition aired on BBC One in March; the panel reacted with positive feedback. 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. She 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. Kerry Ellis has not been previously engaged. Donald asks the courts to let him tweet. Though they're economic and cautious, they can also be indecisive. Kerry had at least 1 relationship in the past. Aside her professional endeavors, Ellis married her long-term boyfriend James Townsend on 8 September 2011 following their engagement in November 2010. 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! 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. The school now offers annual scholarships in both Ellis' and Langford's names. 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. 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. Because we only have a set amount of money we have to be very disciplined and go into the studio, get it down and get out. Kerry Ellis, best known for being a Stage Actress, was born in England, United Kingdom on Sunday, May 6, 1979. 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. If you have a complaint about the editorial content which relates to It finished at The Cliffs Pavilion in Southend-on-Sea on 5 May 2013. At 42 years old, James Townsend height is 6' (1.83 m) . People born in the Year of the Goat enjoy being alone with their thoughts. She played Eliza Doolitte on a total of five occasions and departed from the company in July 2002. Kerry Ellis Popularity Most Popular #76689 First Name Kerry #11 May 6 Actress #17 Last Name Ellis #29 Kerry Ellis Is A Member Of Wicked Cats 43 Year Olds Stage Actresses 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. Family: She married James Townsend in 2011. The show was essentially an autobiography on stage revisiting past successes, some of her favourite songs by other artists and some songs from musicals she would love to do in the future along with some collaborations with friends like Brian May, fellow Wicked performers Louise Dearman and Rachel Tucker and Rent co-star Rory Taylor. In October, she performed at Inspiration Awards for Women at Cadogan Hall, London. She replaced stage actress Stephanie J. She also stated, "It was a great step up for me. If you are dissatisfied with the response provided you can 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. 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. When did Kerry Ellis get divorced? There, she also shot a documentary to highlight her charity work with the Born Free Foundation. Ellis left the Broadway company on 9 November 2008 and was replaced by Marcie Dodd. Their longest marriage has been 11 years to James Townsend. 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. Kerry Elliss income source is mostly from being a successful Actress. Ellis gave birth to her second child, a boy called Freddie, on 30 November 2015. 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. Discover Kerry Ellis's Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. Im lucky because I probably get to spend more time with him than most people who go back to work. Kerry Elliss birth sign is Taurus. The school now offers annual scholarships in both Ellis' and Langford's names. "[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. 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. We don't have much information about He's past relationship and any previous engaged. In January 2013, she was also made an official patron of the British Dance Arts Federation (BDAF). 185.222.158.33 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. 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. Born: Kerry Jane Ellis (1979-05-06) 6 May 1979 (age 41) Haughley, Suffolk, England Education: Laine Theatre Arts Occupation: Actress, singer Years active: 1998-present Spouse (s): James. 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. But surely, Brian May will be adding some of his distinctive guitar to a couple of tracks? 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. The sold-out performance at The O2 Arena was recorded and was released in cinemas in April and will be on DVD in November. Kerry Ellis Born Kerry Jane Ellis (1979-05-06)6 May 1979 (age 43) Haughley, Suffolk, England Nationality English Other names Kerry Jane Townsend (legal married name) Education Laine Theatre Arts Occupation Actress, singer Years active 1998-present Spouse(s) James Townsend (m. 2011) Children Lets take a look at Kerry Ellis past relationships, ex-boyfriends and previous hookups. I really do think its a fabulous venue. In August 2018, Ellis played at the Glamis Proms at Glamis Castle, the childhood home to Her Majesty, Elizabeth The Queen Mother. 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". 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. She continued the role at the Apollo Victoria Theatre until 7 June 2008, being succeeded by Alexia Khadime. In April, she returned to the After Show with David Bedella at the Alleycat in London's Soho to chat with David Bedella. Polls 5 Aug 2013", "Kerry Ellis joins all-star line up at Royal Variety Performance 2008", "London Wicked Star Kerry Ellis Will Sing "Great British Songbook", "Wicked's Kerry Ellis talks about performing the Great British Songbook at the Shaw theatre", "Theatre review: Kerry Ellis Celebrates the Great British Song Book", "Perfect Pitch Returns to West End, Ellis at Fringe", "Thank You for the Music: A Celebration of the Music of Abba, review", "Broadway & West End Star Kerry Ellis to play 'Nancy', "Kerry Ellis and Brian May perform spine-tingling rendition of Anthem", "Sir Terry Wogan presents West End phenomenon Kerry Ellis and legendary Queen guitarist Brian May", "Festival of Remembrance 2010 The Royal British Legion", "Voices Sing for Sondheim, New York Xmas Cast", "West End Theatre Folk Release "It Gets Better" Video", "NT Scoops Seven Oliviers, Blonde & Sondheim", "Kerry Ellis lined up to judge Stephen Sondheim Society award", "BBC Concert Orchestra Friday Night is Music Night", "What's On? 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. Kerry Ellis 2014, proposed cover shot for her new album. A busy life which now also includes keeping Alfie entertained and making sure that not only she is on time for her next gig on time but also that Alfie is there with his entourage of grandparents. Fortunately, the internet gives you the opportunity to do it yourself and in the way that you want to do it. She married James Townsend in 2011. 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. [17] Ellis was also in the same year as fellow musical theatre actress Louise Dearman. Associated With. Kerry Ellis was born on May 6, 1979 in England. A Swedish critic stated that Ellis, who "oscillates between low and high registers and makes it look so easy," outshined Johansson who led the concert. Furthermore, Ellis and Dianne Pilkington (who played as Glinda alongside her) remain the show's longest serving leads. [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. Kerry Ellis' husband James Townsend with their son Alfie. "[45] The showcase paid tribute to some of Ellis' favourite British composers and lyricists including Take That, Duffy, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Paul McCartney. She did say that long-time musical partner Craig Adams would be involved adding his elegant arrangements to the songs. Last week, singing star Kerry Ellis stepped in to jump alongside her husband James Townsend from the Luton Town Academy. 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. 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. It was great for him and me. Kerry Jane Ellis is an English actress and singer who is best known for her work in musical theatre and subsequent crossover into music. "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. In February 2015, Ellis took over from Nicole Scherzinger as Grizabella in Cats at the London Palladium.[93]. After leaving WWRY, she sang at a concert version of Jesus Christ Superstar as the female lead Mary Magdalene at Porchester Castle on 11 June 2004 alongside other West End performers and the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. Fact Check: We strive for accuracy and fairness. 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. [64] The last two performances were later broadcast in December on British television channel S4C and on BBC Radio 2 respectively. She is Theatre (Actress) by profession. 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. Kerry Ellis with her son Alfie in a quiet moment at home. Ellis returned to the Hippodrome Casino in September, as a special guest at Christina Biancos Diva Moments concert. Also not everyone can or wants to make a long trip to London, so its great that we can bring the show to them. English actress and singer (1979 - present). Alfie Townsend{ "@context": "http://schema.org", "@type": "Person", "name": "Alfie Townsend", "gender": "Male" }, View James Townsend's Family Tree and History, Ancestry and Genealogy, View Kerry Ellis's Family Tree and History, Ancestry and Genealogy. She was 17 when her father was shot. On 14 July 2014, it was announced that Ellis will once again rejoin the West End production of Wicked replacing Willemijn Verkaik as Elphaba at the Apollo Victoria Theatre. In February 2015, Ellis took over from Nicole Scherzinger as Grizabella in Cats at the London Palladium. Its great that he has been able to experience different places and different cultures so early and hopefully that will continue. After playing Fantine for almost a year, Ellis ended her time with the company on 24 June 2006. This was made available as a deluxe 2-CD set and to download. She married James Townsend in 2011. 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.". She replaced stage actress Stephanie J. Aside her professional endeavors, Ellis married her long-term boyfriend James Townsend on 8 September 2011 following their engagement in November 2010. Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. [24][25], "Kerry [had] been in rehearsals throughout the run but she didn't find out until late afternoon that she was going on. It's lovely to be able to sing songs that I really want to sing or which I wouldn't normally get to sing. When is Kerry Elliss birthday? So when we went to Moscow to do the candlelight concerts there with Brian, Alfie had more people with him than either Brian or I did. Also known as. 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. But, I am so grateful that I work in a business where he can be with me, Kerry says. In 2017, Ellis starred as Alice in the UK tour of Wonderland.[94]. [It has] big orchestras and big ballad-y vocals." Immediately after her first year-and-a-half long London run as Elphaba, Ellis transferred to the Broadway production of Wicked at the Gershwin Theatre with performances starting on 17 June 2008. Your IP: Discover today's celebrity birthdays and explore famous people who share your birthday. Her net worth has been growing significantly in 2021-2022. 74.5k Followers, 3,934 Following, 2,672 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Kerry Ellis (@kerryellis79) 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. [7] After nine months traveling 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. The same month, the pair performed at the Make-A-Wish Foundation Winter Ball at The Dorchester in London. 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. The showcase paid tribute to some of Ellis' favourite British composers and lyricists including Take That, Duffy, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Paul McCartney. Kerry Ellis' husband James Townsend with their son Alfie. The response was so great that I wished I had recorded it but there was so much going in my life at the time I had only just found out I was pregnant that I didnt think to record or video the show. 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. [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. 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. Kerry Ellis was married to James Townsend for 11 years. 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. In addition to her later theatrical involvement on stage, she also appeared at the Lavender for Life charity concert at Heaven in London on 4 September 2005 where she sang "I'm With You" and duetted on "Dead Ringer for Love" with Peter Johansson.