Review: KERRY ELLIS, Ghillie Dhu, Edinburgh, 17 July 2016

While Kerry Ellis is no stranger to a one-woman show, it is a rare treat for her to perform one in Scotland. The stunning Ghillie Dhu was the ideal venue for this intimate cabaret set.

The set list was a mix of songs from theatre roles Ellis has done in the West End, along with songs that "she just likes singing". Opening with Take That's "Greatest Day", followed by two songs from My Fair Lady and then Oliver!, the song choices flowed really well despite the different styles of music. One of the (many) highlights of the performance was when she asked an audience member on the stage to sing the Glinda parts in "For Good" as a duet. Finishing up with the most beautiful rendition of "Feed The Birds", the show was well crafted and definitely a crowd-pleaser.

Often referred to as "the leading lady of the West End", Ellis seems completely at ease with the format of cabaret. Each song is prefaced with a story of why she put it in the show or what it means to her - from her first role in the West End, to her cameo in the Les Miserables movie and the meaning behind her son's name. Ellis's vocals are flawless throughout and she makes hitting the high notes seem effortless. A natural performer, she strikes a perfect balance between funny anecdotes and belting out huge theatre anthems, which is what sets this show apart from many other cabarets like it.

While Kerry Ellis has performed in Scotland many times, this was the first time she has done a show like this. The audience at Ghillie Dhu proved that we would welcome many more!