Kerry Jane Townsend, professionally known as Kerry Ellis, is a renowned English actress and singer who has made a significant impact in the world of musical theatre and music. Born on May 6, 1979, in Suffolk, Ellis began her performing career at a young age and continued to hone her craft at Laine Theatre Arts from the age of 16.
Ellis's professional stage debut took place in 1998, and she went on to make her West End debut in the 2001 revival of My Fair Lady, serving as the understudy for Martine McCutcheon's role of Eliza Doolittle. This marked the beginning of her successful career in musical theatre, which would see her take on lead roles in numerous productions, including We Will Rock You, Les Misérables, Wicked, and Oliver!.
Ellis's collaborations with Queen guitarist Brian May have been a significant part of her career. She landed the role of Meat in the original London cast of We Will Rock You in 2002 and has since appeared in various productions, including national tours and concert productions of musicals like Miss Saigon, Chess, The War of the Worlds, and RENT.
Throughout her career, Ellis has received numerous awards and nominations for her performances, solidifying her reputation as the First Lady of West End musicals. She has also made appearances in film and television, showcasing her versatility as a performer.
In addition to her work in musical theatre, Ellis has expanded her repertoire as a solo artist in collaboration with May since 2002. She has released several albums, including Anthems (2010),Wicked in Rock (2008),and Acoustic by Candlelight (2013),which have all received critical acclaim. Ellis has also headlined solo concert tours and has performed in concerts around the world.
As a featured artist on several albums and cast recordings, Ellis has demonstrated her ability to adapt to various genres and styles. Her charity work with the Born Free Foundation, alongside May, has also been a significant aspect of her career, highlighting her commitment to giving back to her community.
Throughout her career, Kerry Ellis has established herself as a talented and versatile performer, with a wide range of experience in musical theatre, music, and charity work. Her dedication to her craft and her passion for her work have earned her a loyal fan base and critical acclaim, solidifying her position as one of the most respected and beloved performers in the entertainment industry.
