Kerry Ellis Succeeds Prenger as Nancy in Oliver! Date: 27 November 2009
As previously tipped (See The Goss, 23 Nov 2009), Whatsonstage.com Award winner Kerry Ellis will succeed I’d Do Anything victor Jodie Prenger as Nancy in Cameron Mackintosh’s production of Oliver!. Prenger will give her last performance on 27 March, with Ellis taking over from 29 March 2010.
Ellis is best known for playing Elphaba in Wicked, for which she won the 2008 Whatsonstage.com Award for Best Takeover in a Role, having succeeded original Elphaba, American Idina Menzel, in the West End production. She made her Broadway debut in the Stephen Schwartz musical last year, before returning for a limited stint at the Apollo Victoria.
Her other musical credits include Queen’s We Will Rock You, in which she originated the role of Meatloaf. Queen’s Brian May is producing Ellis’ first full-length album - due to be released next summer - for which he’s also written songs with Don Black.
Oliver! opened, with the West End’s largest-ever advance of £15 million, on 14 January 2009 (previews from 12 December) and is currently booking through to 27 February 2010 (See WOS TV, 15 Jan 2009). Based on Charles Dickens’ literary classic Oliver Twist and, beyond its theatre fanbase, Lionel Bart’s musical found legions of fans from the 1968 film version. The score includes now-famous songs including “Consider Yourself”, “It’s a Fine Life”, “As Long as He Needs Me”, “Oom-pah-pah”, “Food, Glorious Food”, “I’d Do Anything” and the title song.
The musical is directed by Rupert Goold, based on Sam Mendes’ 1994 staging at the London Palladium. Goold is joined by two key members of Mendes’ original creative team, Matthew Bourne, who co-directs and choreographs the new outing, and set designer Anthony Ward. Lighting is by Paule Constable, sound by Paul Groothuis, orchestrations by William D Brohn and musical supervision by Martin Koch. Mendes’ production ran for 1,366 performances from December 1994 to February 1998 at the Palladium, where it grossed more than £40 million.
I've seen Kerry Ellis before in Wicked so I was looking forward so much to seeing her as Nancy, and trust me, she didn't dissapoint. She was absolutely amazing, she suits the role so well and had me in tears when Nancy dies, she is brilliant, SEE HER IN IT IF YOU CAN !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - Nicola
14 Jun 10
Yeah! I've seen her twice in the role already. And I have to say that Miss Ellis is FANTASTIC! Absolutely stunning performance both times! Can't wait to go again!!! - Izzy
31 May 10
Kerry was better than jodie! She performed it how it should be done. A strong loving woman and what a voice! Not a blubbering woman falling apart. Jodie was over dramatic, not passionate but i her as a tv personality. Kerry is just a star. - Greg
11 May 10
Seen both ladies perform, Jodie was far better, a real natural for the role. Didnt think Kerry was passionate as Jodie, like she had done it all before. - sarah
01 May 10
went to see jodie on the 27th, wot a star. she is fantastic. Thank u jodie for a fantastic performance!!!!!! - lisa
28 Feb 10
Yaaay!!!!! The Ellis is back she'll be the best Nancy Ever - Lynsey beardshall
16 Dec 09
Its great kerry is going to be coming back to the westend and it is such an iconic role (much like Elphaba,Fantine and Meat) that will add to her amazing resume. The Ellis is back in the building! - alicia
01 Dec 09
Oh man. I was so hoping Jessie Buckley would be the next nancy, she is fantastic! - Justin
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