Interview: West End star Kerry Ellis

From Ephaba in Wicked to Nancy in Oliver, Kerry Ellis has played them all. Luckily, this stage icon agreed to take break from her Queen of the West End tour to chat about everything from childhood inspirations to why she is just a little bit like Freddie Mercury. Be still, our hearts.

Kerry; you’re in the middle of a massive international tour at the moment. How’s life on the road?

“I’m so excited to be out with this show, talking to audiences. I was overwhelmed by the response last year as I love being in peoples’ hometowns. Meeting everyone and hearing their connections with me and their local theatres is always a joy. I’m enjoying every second of it.”

Apparently, Keith Richards eats shepherd’s pie before every performance with The Rolling Stones. Do you have any weird and wonderful pre-show rituals?

“Not really. I try not to have routines as I think they can influence your performance. That said, when I’m on tour, I do try and look after myself. I try to get to the gym, get as much sleep as possible, and eat as well as I can so that I’m ready for the show. The nice thing is that, when I’m on the road, I only have one thing to think about. Doing the show!”

That must a nice change for a busy mum of two. How do you manage to balance your schedule with family life?

“Our life is always upside down, but I am very lucky to have an amazing husband and supportive family who help the balance. They say it takes a village to raise a family – and it certainly does! This industry can be difficult, and it can only happen if you are supported by everyone around you. I do and they all inspire me every day.”

You bagged your first role as a Munchkin in The Wizard of Oz aged nine, and then trained at Laine Theatre Arts for three years. Was your heart always set on the stage?

“Absolutely. I feel fortunate that I knew so early. I know so many people don’t have a clear view of where they want to be, but I knew where my heart was from the start. I knew what I wanted to chase. And chase, I did.”

It must have been quite a journey – and you’re now hailed as the First Lady of the West End! How does that feel?

“I’m not sure that’s completely accurate: I definitely think Elaine Paige is the first lady – or certainly the first lady that I look up to. She was my inspiration growing up and still is to this day. I love how she continues to grow and develop and stays current.”

You were Meat in the original cast of We Will Rock you and have continued to work with Queen’s Brian May over the years. Can you tell us a little about your relationship with him?

“Lovely Brian has been incredible to me, not only as a mentor, but as a friend. He’s taught me so much and I’m forever grateful for his kindness. Still to this day, we talk quite a bit about all sorts of things from performing and music to life in general. I’m so happy to have him in my life.”

You perform beautifully together. Do you have any Freddie Mercury qualities?

“I don’t know about that, but Brian would say that I shared certain likenesses, such as passion for music, just like Freddie. Sadly, I never got to meet him but I really I wish I had.”

We hear you are also busy writing your autobiography. Can we expect you to spill some showbiz scandals?

“No – but I do tell people how it is, just like I do on the tour. I’m very open and honest and tell people the real stories, as in what really happened. My Podcast is called Keep Calm and Kerry On and that is exactly the advice I’d give to my younger self.”

Finally, when the tour’s complete and you get a chance to relax, what’s next?

“I’m not sure you’d call it relaxing but I have lots of exciting projects on the go. Being part of the new show, Lady M The Musical is amazing as I’ve just come back from doing a version of the show in Shanghai. We are working on an album to release this year – and with a new album comes more touring and more challenges. I also run my own online course, How to Succeed in Musical Theatre as an Artist, which is open to everybody. I’ll teach you everything you need to know about musical theatre. There may be a star in you yet!”

Get tickets for Kerry’s Queen of the West End tour are on sale here. For details on her course visit www.kerryellis.com.