Kerry Ellis will take over the role of Grizabella from former Pussy Cat Doll Nicole Sherzinger. With the iconic standard 'Memory' as her theme tune, Ellis, who is known for her wonderful rock voice is bound to bring a very cool side to the character of Grizabella.
Kerry Ellis has previously played some of the most famous roles in the West End including Fantine in Les Miserables, Nancy in Oliver, and Elisa in My Fair Lady, but most famously Elphaba in Wicked. Kerry was the first British Elphaba and also played the role on Broadway. Having just finished a solo tour and another limited run in Wicked, she is still very much one of the nation's, and my favourite performer.
I watched Kerry in her first week as Elphaba in 2007. I've since enjoyed her performances in Wicked on a further five occasions including her most recent final show when she uttered the words 'For the last time, I feel Wicked' (see my review of Ellis' final performance in Wicked)
I've been lucky enough to meet Kerry a few times over the years (once having won a competition by dressing as Elphaba and singing Defying Gravity while bouncing on a trampoline!). She has always been delightful and very much understands the importance of taking time with her ever faithful fans.
In October of this year I also got the privelidge of singing a duet with Kerry during her solo tour. This was a perk of pledging to help with the cost of making her album and was the highlight of my year.
Kerry Ellis's singing ability really is beyond compare, and I'm sure her extremely large and extensive fan base will be filling the seats at the Palladium with glee over the next few months.
By Nicky Sweetland