The Show People Podcast Live: Kerry Ellis (Part Two)

Join host Andrew Keates for The Show People Podcast, recorded live from The Two Brewers in Clapham. This is part two of an in-depth conversation with West End and Broadway star Kerry Ellis. Widely recognised as one of the great leading ladies of British musical theatre, Kerry Ellis has played some of the most iconic roles in the West End, on Broadway and beyond. Best known for becoming the first British Elphaba in Wicked, Kerry’s extraordinary career includes originating Meat in the original London cast of We Will Rock You, playing Fantine in Les Misérables, Ellen in Miss Saigon, Nancy in Oliver!, Grizabella in Cats, and appearing in My Fair Lady, Anything Goes, Chess, The War of the Worlds and many more. Episode Highlights Include: • Does Kerry ever get sick of talking about Wicked? • Kerry’s relationship with Idina Menzel • Kerry’s approach to playing Elphaba and finding the comedy in the role • The reality of green makeup, glitter and becoming Elphaba night after night • The physical and emotional demands of performing Wicked eight shows a week • Backstage shenanigans with Oliver Tompsett, Diane Pilkington and the Wicked company • The personal cost of playing such a demanding role - 8 shows a week! • Why actors and theatre can save lives through escapism, community and connection • What Kerry has stolen from shows, and how exactly you break a broom • The key differences between working in the West End and on Broadway • Kerry’s experience working on the Wicked film with Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo • Kerry’s Dalmatian puppy and her connection to Cruella • Motherhood, working in the West End and the challenges of modern culture • Regrets, happiness and learning what really matters • Kerry’s advice to young musical theatre students • And many more stories from both Andrew and Kerry about life, theatre, resilience and working in the performing arts. Like and Subscribe Make sure you like and subscribe to be notified the moment our next episode is released! Support Us If you enjoy the podcast, please consider making a donation to help us nurture LGBTQIA+ theatre-makers and proudly tell Queer stories, by visiting www.queertheatre.co.uk/support-us Sponsors & Supporters: Theataccounts: The entertainment industry's trusted accountants, looking after thousands of clients across theatre and performance. Connect at www.theataccounts.co.uk or Instagram: @theataccounts. Videography by Ned Wakeley of The Showreel Company theshowreelcompany.com | Instagram: @theshowreelcompany_ Photography by Sean Lindsell @skl.photog on Instagram Audio and Stage Management by Liam Chaplin @djliamchaplin on Instagram Special Thanks Adam Deamer, Oliver Blatherwick, Rhys Godfrey and the staff of the Two Brewers. Queer Theatre This podcast is proudly produced by Queer Theatre, committed to LGBTQ+ storytelling and nurturing Queer talent. Discover more about their acting classes, Queer Play Reading Club, showcases and events. Connect at www.queertheatre.co.uk, Instagram: @QueerTheatreUK, TikTok: @QueerTheatreUK, @Threads @QueerTheatreUK. Follow The Show People Podcast Instagram: @theshowpeoplepodcast, X: @ShowPeopleUK www.queertheatre.co.uk Follow Andrew Keates Instagram: @MrAndrewKeates, TikTok: @andrewkeates, X: @andrewkeates www.andrewkeates.co.uk Follow Kerry Ellis Instagram: @kerryellis79 www.kerryellis.com Thank you for your support. Until next time - love always, Ax