Brief Encounter with … Rent‘s Kerry Ellis

Kerry Ellis is one busy performer. As well as solo concerts, auditioning for The Voice last year, stepping onto the musical stage and releasing albums, she is about to tour the UK – performing songs from Rent, alongside Superstar runner up Rory Taylor. We caught up with her to find out about the show and much more.

What attracted you to Rent in Concert?
I love the show, always have. I have never had the chance to be a part of the show until now and to celebrate with an anniversary concert is the perfect way.

You performed in Godspell featuring the same format, how was that?
Performing a concert version of a show is a great opportunity to sing songs you may not usually get cast for. Godspell was great fun and for one night only so very exciting. I loved being back in Manchester too, I always have fun there.

Can you tell us a bit about your character Mimi and what you like about her?
Well, I don’t think people were expecting me to sing Mimi, but I love her story and her songs. She is care free but a troubled soul with a drug problem. I wont spoil it for you but her ending isn’t peachy. I also get to play opposite Rory Taylor which will be great.

Much was written about your audition on The Voice and the way you were treated and judged. Do you regret doing it?
Life is too short to regret anything. As performers we are constantly putting ourselves out there to be judged, when I coach workshops and master classes I tell people to never give up and don’t be frightened to be told no, I was just doing what we do all the time and that’s audition.

You clearly love performing live. How do these concert style shows like this and Godspell enable you to have more freedom than you would in a stage musical?
Firstly, they are for a limited time so you have to get stuck in fast. I like the variation that comes with a concert, you could be involved with two or three different shows a year and that’s fun.
    
You have starred in some great shows? Are there any new shows that you would like a part in?
There are so many, I would love to be a part of something new so I get to create a role again, but if a great revival came up that would be fun too.

What was the last great thing you saw on stage that you loved?
War Horse – I sobbed like a baby. Love love love it.

You have a great relationship with Brian May. Have you got any future projects together?
Brian is great, we have been working together now for over ten years. We are working on a new album which is very different from “Anthems”, also a single which should be out soon, and a tour.

What are you looking forward to the most about Rent?
Working with the brilliant cast and singing those great songs. Rent is an ensemble piece and I’m looking forward to being part of a team again.

What are your plans once the tour has finished?
I have a very exciting show of my own the London Palladium on 12th May, I cant wait. It’s such an iconic place and we hope to make it a very special evening.

Come on our hosted Whatsonstage.com Outing on 26 April 2013 and get your top-price ticket, a FREE programme with every booking and access to our EXCLUSIVE post-show Q&A with cast – plus 20 signed posters for early bookers – all for £29.50!