Kerry Ellis, the first British Elphaba in the long-running London production of Wicked (and who later reprised the role for Broadway audiences), is heading back to the States.

The West End favorite will make her 54 Below debut January 31–February 1 with evenings titled Kerry Ellis: A Broadway and West End Sensation. Following her New York City engagement, Ellis will return to London for a February 10 concert version of the 2014 Broadway musical If/Then at the Savoy Theatre. Also, keep your eyes out: Ellis will have a cameo in the second part of Jon M. Chu's film adaptation of Wicked (details are still a secret).

Ellis, who originated the role of Meat in Queen’s We Will Rock You, has also been seen in the West End as Grizabella in Cats, Nancy in Oliver!, Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady, Ellen in Miss Saigon, Fantine in Les Misérables, Sara in Murder Ballad, and Alice in Wonderland. In 2022 she starred as Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes at the Barbican and also played a recent stint in the U.K. and Ireland tour of 101 Dalmatians The Musical. Her newest solo recording is titled Kings and Queens.

In the interview below for the Playbill series How Did I Get Here—spotlighting not only actors, but directors, designers, musicians, and others who work on and off the stage to create the magic that is live theatre—Ellis shares her lengthy journey with Wicked, the stage roles she'd like to conquer, and why live theatre remains a vital experience.

Where did you train/study?
Kerry Ellis: I trained for three years at Laine Theatre Arts in Epsom in Surrey, just outside London.

Was there a teacher who was particularly impactful/helpful? What made this instructor stand out?
My musical theatre teachers Maureen and Gwen were quite influential for me, mainly because they were so encouraging, and it was finally acceptable and a good thing to be good at the arts.

What does it mean to you to have a cameo in the forthcoming second Wicked film? What was your reaction to seeing the final version of the first half?
It was great to be part of the movie, just to come full circle and to be a part of something that’s been a huge piece of my history and continues to be.

I love the movie! It was great to go to the premiere and see the girls. I think the movies are a real complement to the show and will open it up to a new audience and allow this music and story to live on for many years.

In addition to opening the London production of Wicked, you also made your Broadway debut as Elphaba. What did it mean to you to play Broadway?
Performing on Broadway was a childhood dream that I never thought I would live out, so to play in a Broadway show in a starring role was incredible, and to top it, to play a role so wonderful as Elphaba made it all the more special. I love New York. I loved being there. I would love to go back with something else someday and play another role.

You will be playing 54 Below later this month. What can people expect from your upcoming show? Also, how does performing in such an intimate space compare to working on a theatre stage?
I’m so excited about playing 54 Below—it’s my first time playing this venue. I’ve played a few small venues before long ago in New York, but this will be my first solo show in this venue, which I’m really excited about. I’m going to sing a mixture of songs from my journey as well as some of my favorites—as well as songs people will expect and tell some stories about my journeys and experiences. I love playing venues like this that are intimate and unique, and you can just be relaxed and speak from the heart and share real experiences.

You will also be appearing in a one-night-only concert presentation of If/Then. Is there any talk for a London run of the musical?
Yes, we are hoping to do the show at some point... We have done a workshop and plan to do a show as soon as we can. 

Do you have a dream stage role and/or a dream performer you would like to work opposite?
There are so many roles I haven’t played. I’d love to play Eva Peron in Evita, Norma Desmond in Sunset Blvd., Rose in Gypsy, and I’ve never been in Chicago. Of course, there’s always room for new musicals, too! I love being part of new developments, which I do a lot of in London, lots of table reads, workshops, and developments. I’m working on something at the moment called Lady M about Lady Macbeth, which is very exciting!

Tell me about a time you almost gave up but didn’t.
I don’t think I’ve ever almost given up. I had a moment in Wicked when I was working on exhaustion, and my vocal cords were extremely swollen and tired, and I was under immense pressure, where at times I felt a little low—but there was never a point where I thought, “This is it, I’ll never perform again.” I’m very fortunate to have never felt that way.

What do you consider your big break?
I’m not sure I believe in big breaks as such. I’ve been very fortunate to play some amazing roles and some amazing places. I guess I’ve always been quite consistent starting way back when I got the role of the understudy to Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady, and I guess that kicked things off for me. Of course, Wicked was a game changer, but I’d already played Meat Loaf in We Will Rock You, and that was a pretty big deal.

What is the most memorable day job you ever had?
I never really had a real job as such. I worked in a newsagent when I was a teenager on the weekend to earn a bit of pocket money, but that was only for a summer and only on a Saturday morning, so I’m not sure that even counts.

Is there a person or people you most respect in your field and why?
I think I respect mainly my peers. I love working opposite talented, wonderful people. I love this industry because of the people that are in it and when you get to share a stage with people you admire, it’s the best thing ever. I’m lucky to have some amazingly talented friends that on occasion I get to work with. I also love that you constantly meet new people that inspire you and develop you as an artist, too.

Tell me about a job/opportunity you really wanted but didn’t get. How did you get over that disappointment?
I was auditioning for a version of Evita that was coming to London around 2005. I was in Les Misérables playing Fantine in the West End. I had an audition and a couple of recalls and then didn’t get the job. I was devastated. However, the following day I got a call asking if I would go to an audition for a new show that was coming over from Broadway called Wicked. I guess some things were just meant to be.

What advice would you give your younger self or anyone starting out?
I think enjoy the moment more. When I was younger, I was quick to look for the next thing and always looking for something bigger and better, when actually what was happening to me was big and better, so I would say just take a moment and enjoy the ride.

What do you wish you knew starting out that you know now?
To not be worried about comparing myself to others and be more secure in my own self and talent and not give myself such a hard time, especially physically.

In such difficult times around the world, how do you think theatre can play a positive role, either for yourself and/or the community at large?
To keep telling brilliant stories that challenge people’s thoughts and feelings especially in a world that’s turning incredibly digitally with young people, especially on screens. A lot of the time I think we need to keep live theatre and live interactions and performances going because they make people think, believe, and escape.

What is your proudest achievement as an actor?
I’m proud of my longevity and variety. I’ve been in this industry since I was 16, nearly 30 years, and I’m proud of each and every experience and performance event I’ve been part of and hope it continues for many more years.

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Every Elphaba of Wicked on Broadway

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