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 Bio Details. She also lent her voice to a version of the song "Wind Beneath My Wings" that features the Central Band of the Royal Air Force on their album Reach for the Skies and appears on a version of the song "Come What May" with Alfie Boe on his album Bring Him Home. Her nickname is Kerry Jane Townsend (legal married name). She has released three studio albums Anthems (2010), which reached number 15 on the UK Albums Chart, the self-titled Kerry Ellis (2014) and "Golden Days" as well as an extended play Wicked in Rock (2008) and a live album Acoustic by Candlelight (2013). Ellis also appears as a featured artist on a version of "Somebody to Love" on Only Men Aloud! Ahead of her gig at The Apex in Bury this autumn, she spoke to Arts Editor Andrew Clarke about how she is managing to balance the demands of her career with her homelife. [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. [8][19], Following her graduation, Ellis became first understudy to Marti Webb in a UK concert tour of The Magic of the Musicals in 1998, required on several occasions in Webb's absence, yet took a hiatus in 1999 to board cruise ship MS Voyager of the Seas, employed as lead vocalist in the ship's entertainment staff. James Townsend+ b. c 1700, d. b 2 May 1744. Returning to the West End production of Wicked on 1 December 2008, Ellis spent a further five months as Elphaba where, ultimately, she ended her time with the musical. Ellis, who has received several awards and nominations for her performances, has become recognised as the First Lady of West End musicals. Furthermore, she joined former We Will Rock You cast member Peter Johansson in his Swedish concert tour Champions of Rock which went to Gothenburg, Helsingborg, Vnersborg, Stockholm, rebro, Uppsala and Norrkping in October 2009. She also went back on the road with Brian May on The Candlelight Concerts tour between February and March as well as returning to London's Pheasantry, performing in A Night in the West End with the London Philharmonic Orchestra at the Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham, singing in a solo concert Live at the Gaiety Theatre on the Isle of Man, and performing at An Evening of Movies and Musicals with Joe McElderry in Scotland. [from old catalog]; Townshend, Charles Hervey, 1833- [from old catalog]; Smith, Isaac Townsend, 1813-1906. Kerry Jane Townsend Gender. James Townsend (m. 2011) Sibling: Not Available: Children: Alfie Ellis-Townsend (25/10/2013) Freddie Ellis-Townsend (30/11/2015) Loads of people in the audience knew each other, everyone on stage knew each other and it was just a joyous evening and thats what we hope people will hear on the album.. She was 17 when her father was shot. After attending Anthems: The Concert, critic Mark Shenton of The Stage hailed Ellis, a "small but fierce and fiery performer," as "this generation's Elaine Paige, with a similarly soaring, scorching voice." Born and raised in Suffolk, Ellis began performing at an early age before attending Laine Theatre Arts from the age of 16. She played Beth in the theater production of The War of the Worlds, which initially starred Richard Burton. [59] 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. and Cats as well as appearing in national tours and concert productions of musicals like Miss Saigon, Chess, The War of the Worlds and RENT. "[45], Ellis returned to the West End production of Wicked on 1 December 2008 and spent a further five months as Elphaba where, ultimately, she ended her time with the musical. Kerry had at least 1 relationship in the past. Click to reveal Aside her professional endeavors, Ellis married her long-term boyfriend James Townsend on 8 September 2011 following their engagement in November 2010. [17] Ellis was also in the same year as fellow musical theatre actress Louise Dearman. "[35], In July 2006, Ellis joined the original London cast of the musical Wicked at the Apollo Victoria Theatre to play Elphaba. Particularly interested in working with her musically, May partnered with Ellis during her time in We Will Rock You to lay the foundations of her musical career. Photos & Headshots . [46] She played her last performance as Elphaba on 9 May 2009 and was succeeded by Alexia Khadime two days later. You can create your album and be yourself without having to fit into their preconceived idea of what you should be like. She played a limited 12-week engagement from 4 August 2014 through 25 October 2014.[92]. We recommend you to check the complete list of Famous People born on 6 May. Stowmarket girl, Kerry, will be bringing her new show to The Apex in Bury St Edmunds where she launched her last tour, Acoustic by Candlelight, with Queen guitarist Brian May in November 2012. Kerry Elliss biography and horoscope. [81] She has also paired with Craig Adams on his new musical Defect; she recorded a demo with Oliver Tompsett entitled "If Only You Could Know" for the musical in June. She sang "Son of a Preacher Man" but it failed to progress her further after none of the coaches turned round to select her to be in their groups. She has released four studio albums Anthems (2010), which reached number 15 on the UK Albums Chart, the self-titled Kerry Ellis (2014), Golden Days (2017) and Feels Like Home (2020) as well as an extended play Wicked in Rock (2008) and a live album Acoustic by Candlelight (2013). 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. From online or printed sources and from publicly accessible databases. [26][27] After seven auditions, she landed the role of Meat and got to sing the solo song "No-One but You (Only the Good Die Young)". 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. In August, she kicked off the 20th English Premier League for the FA Community Shield by performing the British national anthem at Wembley Stadium and also became a patron to Emil Dale's School of Performing Arts in Hitchin while September saw her performing at the opening launch concert of the new Diamond Theatre in Slovenia and returning to London's Savoy to sing at the 65th birthday celebrations of Freddie Mercury. [74] 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. She was also named an official patron of the Academy for Theatre Arts in Newcastle-under-Lyme in the same month. So when I had loads of people coming up to me for weeks afterwards asking if there was going to be a live album I thought why not record a studio version of it? Open in app; Facebook; Tweet; Reddit; Mail; Embed; Permalink ; 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 In 2013, she was named the favourite West End Elphaba in a Whatsonstage.com poll asking the public to vote for their favourite actress who had played the role in London. James Townsend for 12 years. Kerry Ellis real name is Kerry Jane Ellis. When is Kerry Elliss birthday? Copyright FameChain 2023, All rights reserved. "[14], During her run in My Fair Lady, Queen guitarist Brian May and music director Mike Dixon came to see the production. She has not been previously engaged. In December 18, 2019, Ellis performed "Rise Like a Phoenix" in the opening of the Miss World 2019 pageant. We are planning to be in the studio at the end of June and into the beginning of July. 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. 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. 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. The new album takes its lead from the material Kerry used for her one woman show at the London Palladium last year. Though she unsuccessfully auditioned for The Voice UK in 2012, Ellis had been expanding her repertoire as a solo artist in collaboration with May since 2002. Playing alongside Kendra Kassebaum as Glinda and Aaron Tveit as Fiyero for her five-month run, Ellis won the 2009 Broadway.com Audience Award for Favorite Female Breakthrough Performance. What more can you ask for?, Well more of the same I guess. She probably showed me up" while Ellis concluded, "I was nervous but once I was on stage the nerves disappeared and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience." She was born on May 6, 1979, in Haughley, Suffolk. The plan is to have the album out by the end of the summer so its ready for Kerrys autumn tour. Promotion of the album included Ellis performing (with Brian May) on many television shows like Tonight's the Night, The Michael Ball Show, This Morning and The Alan Titchmarsh Show, as well as performing live at the BBC Radio Theatre and later, London nightclub, G-A-Y. [67][68], April saw Ellis became a patron alongside Bonnie Langford to Guildford's Performance Preparation Academy (PPA). "[22] She played Eliza Doolittle on a total of five occasions and departed from the company in July 2002. Kerrys life path number is 1. Previous to this, she performed in various concerts throughout 2010 including The Night of 1000 Voices which was dedicated to the 80th birthday of composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim at the Royal Albert Hall in May, A Weekend with the Stars where she performed "Somebody to Love" with Only Men Aloud! Family: She married James Townsend in 2011. 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. It finished at The Cliffs Pavilion in Southend-on-Sea on 5 May 2013. She was scared and excited but enjoyed it," said agent Greatorex with first understudy Jay adding, "She was fantastic. Although a relative unknown and in a small part, Ellis met positive reviews for her performance: a critic labelled her stronger than Menzel who attained the female lead and argued that Ellis should have received it instead. Last week, singing star Kerry Ellis stepped in to jump alongside her husband James Townsend from the Luton Town Academy. View popular celebrities life details, birth signs and real ages. The album, which was produced by Brian May and recorded at Abbey Road Studios with a 70-piece orchestra, was described by Ellis as one that "tap[s] into all the different areas that [she has] been part of" in her career between the years 2000 and 2010. Click here to Start FameChaining. 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. Kerry Ellis' husband James Townsend with their son Alfie. She 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. The world is shrinking all the time and he loves being on the tour bus and you can see him looking around and taking it all in.. Im lucky because I probably get to spend more time with him than most people who go back to work. Kerry worries about taking Alfie away from his father for extended periods but makes sure they get quality time when they are together. 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. Fabricated within the space of nine months, Anthems, Ellis' debut studio album, was released in mid September 2010. 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. Menu. In September, she performed with Brian May at both the Freddie for a Day launch event at London's Savoy Hotel, Wildlife Rocks at the Guildford Cathedral and at The Sunflower Jam at London's Royal Albert Hall in addition to sitting on the judging panel at London dog show Pup Aid. She performed on four dates in late June 2009 with the inclusion of Brian May in each night's encore. song "As Long as He Needs Me". Right here at FameChain. She replaced stage actress Stephanie J. at Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. The set included songs by Avril Lavigne, Eva Cassidy, Dusty Springfield, Janis Joplin, Alicia Keys and Shakira. Cloudflare Ray ID: 7a2f5f216efc1511 After playing Fantine for almost a year, Ellis ended her time with the company on 24 June 2006. 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. Her performances at the Royal Albert Hall both sold out and later garnered her the 2012 Whatsonstage.com Theatregoers' Choice Award for Best Solo Performance and a nomination for the 2011 BroadwayWorld.com UK Award for Theatrical Event of the Year (she lost to 25th anniversary celebrations of The Phantom of the Opera). As a subscriber, you are shown 80% less display advertising when reading our articles. According to our Database, He has no children. Kerry worries about taking Alfie away from his father for extended periods but makes sure they get quality time when they are. at Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. Associated With. 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. They are lodged in between the two big well-known generations, the Baby Boomers and the Millennials. It's lovely to be able to sing songs that I really want to sing or which I wouldn't normally get to sing. She was born on May 06, 1979 in Haughley as Kerry Jane Ellis. Kerry lived on month day 1900, at address, Missouri. [75], In January 2012, Ellis auditioned for the debut series of The Voice UK, a reality television singing competition. If you see something that doesnt look right, contact us. English actress and singer (1979 - present). These concerts featured other performers from the West End and celebrate both classical and contemporary Broadway hits. The tour was met with mostly positive reviews with critics praising the meshing of May's sound with Ellis' voice. Born and raised in Suffolk, Ellis began performing at an early age before attending Laine Theatre Arts from the age of 16. I am looking for a specific type of girl singer and you're not it but you will be for 99% of the UK I am sure." With John Partridge, Ellis also presented the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical at the 2010 Laurence Olivier Awards. In December, they also paired up again to perform for a Christmas special of Weekend Wogan, which was broadcast later in the month on BBC Radio 2. Her audition aired on BBC One in March; the panel reacted with positive feedback. The show saw Ellis giving a blind audition in front of its four coaches. Ellis gave birth to her second child, a boy called Freddie, on 30 November 2015. Aside her professional endeavors, Ellis married her long-term boyfriend James Townsend on 8 September 2011 following their engagement in November 2010. These adverts enable local businesses to get in front of their target audience the local community. Kerry Elliss birth sign is Taurus. Block; making the first British actress to play Elphaba on Broadway and the first to transfer from the West End to Broadway mirroring original cast member Idina Menzel who transferred from Broadway to London to open the production. Reports suggest Prince Charles will live "in a flat above the shop" when he becomes king. Explore how the celebrity world connects. Kerry Ellis was born on May 6, 1979 in England. Aside her professional endeavors, Ellis married her long-term boyfriend James Townsend on 8 September 2011 following their engagement in November 2010. Age. Associated With She played Beth in the theater production of The War of the Worlds, which initially starred Richard Burton. In addition to headlining solo concert tours like Anthems: The Tour and The Born Free Tour, and singing in concerts across the world, Ellis also appears as a featured artist on several albums and is featured on various cast albums. Kerry Ellis has been married once, in 2011. Bookmark this page and come back for updates. [27] In 2013, she was named the favourite West End Elphaba in a Whatsonstage.com poll asking the public to vote for their favourite actress who had played the role in London. [38], Following her time in Wicked in London, Ellis then transferred to the Broadway production of the show at the Gershwin Theatre with performances starting on 17 June 2008. In addition to her musical work, Ellis involves herself in charity work for the Born Free Foundation with May and is the patron of several arts organisations. Ellis also launched a Pledge page, with a variety of VIP packages and Ellis gifts to try to fund her new album. It was great for him and me. Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. The money was raised through crowd-funding so it is very much a collaborative project with my lovely, passionate fans. The tour was met with mostly positive reviews with critics praising the meshing of May's sound with Ellis' voice. James Townsend born on 3 April 1672 at Morumsco Section, Somerset Co, MD. 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. "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. (Vegetarians International Voice for Animals), which will be released in time for Christmas 2013. Ellis will also perform at A Night at the Musicals when it returns to the Wales Millennium Centre as well as appearing as a special guest in a Christmas Spectacular at the Royal Albert Hall in December. 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. At 42 years old, James Townsend height is 6' (1.83 m) . 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. 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. We find ways to make it work. Data returned from the Piano 'meterActive/meterExpired' callback event. The daring duo will be performing their feat at lunchtime today. Dec 1st, 2015. She was a student at Stowmarket High School. at Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. In support of Anthems, Ellis and May embarked on her first headlining concert tour of Great Britain, titled Anthems: The Tour. Tom Jones consoled her: "You seem like you've already made it," referring to her theatrical career, while Danny O'Donoghue stated, "I thought you did a really phenomenal job, I really did. Kerry Jane Townsend, better known by her maiden name Kerry Ellis, is an English actress and singer who is best known for her work in musical theatre and subsequent crossover into music. We don't have much information about He's past relationship and any previous engaged. In 2019, Ellis received an honorary fellowship from the University of Suffolk. She has continued to perform, appearing at a charity concert of Children of Eden alongside other West End performers at London's Prince of Wales Theatre in January which provoked Mark Shenton to label Ellis and Louise Dearman as "the twin goddesses of West End musical voices." Ellis gave birth to a baby boy, Alfie Ellis-Townsend, on 25 October 2013.[90]. "[45] The showcase paid tribute to some of Ellis' favourite British composers and lyricists including Take That, Duffy, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Paul McCartney. [1][2] She has also worked sporadically in film and television. She is Theatre (Actress) by profession. Kerry Ellis has not been previously engaged. She has also paired with Craig Adams on his new musical Defect; she recorded a demo with Oliver Tompsett entitled "If Only You Could Know" for the musical in June. 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. Born in 25 Jun 1919 and died in 3 Jul 2000 Red Bay, Alabama James Ellis Townsend The least compatible signs with Taurus are generally considered to be Leo and Aquarius. 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. 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. When I have worked with Brian in the past, he has the luxury of having his own recording studio, so time was never an issue. [36] During Menzel's run, Ellis played Elphaba on nine occasions in Menzel's absence; some fans turned up at the theatre expressly hoping to witness Ellis. 2009 Broadway.com Audience Award Winners Announced", "Empire State Building Goes Green for Wicked Birthday; Final Yellow Brick Road Cast Announced", "Kerry Ellis returns from a triumphant Broadway debut to play Elphaba in London's Wicked", "Alexia Khadime to return to Wicked in 2009", "Gallery and Poll: Who are your favourite West End Wicked stars? The following October, she led a week of solo concerts at the Hippodrome Casino in Leicester Square with a small band and a number of special guests in addition to singing at an event entitled A Night at the Musicals at the Wales Millennium Centre, part of the 2012 Cardiff Music Festival.