BWW Reviews: KERRY ELLIS, Gala Theatre, Durham, October 10 2014

In May 2013 Kerry Ellis performed a one-woman show at the London Palladium, a year later and with a new solo album behind her, she embarks on a intimate tour to recreate that concert. I reviewed the Palladium show and I absolutely loved it, but I think the Durham show had something even more special.

The first half of the concert was mainly dedicated to musical theatre. Although she opened with a James Bond medley, it was more about the roles she has played and she performed songs from My Fair Lady, Oliver, Tell Me on a Sunday and We Will Rock You. Ellis is an endearing host, her anecdotes about each role are brilliant and she has excellent comic timing. The format of the show and the scaled-down theatre gives more Ellis more freedom to have a bit of fun with the audience which is a really lovely touch. Her band introductions and onstage banter give the impression that this is a close knit group and that also really comes across in the performance.

The second half of the show contains a lot more pop music and what I suspect are just songs that Kerry Ellis happens to enjoy performing. And why not? It's her show. She takes on a mix of Take That, Lady Gaga, Adele, Ed Sheeran and a Katy Perry medley. It's not normally my sort of thing but the songs have been beautifully arranged by Craig Adams and sound a little more "theatrical" than usual.

I have seen Kerry Ellis a number of times but I still find myself in awe of her voice and the highlight of the evening for me was her rendition of Let It Go. There is a lot of power behind her voice and it went down an absolute storm with the audience. While this concert and tour would obviously be something I would urge fans of Ellis to attend, I feel it would be a great night out for anyone with the slightest interest in musical theatre.

Information for Kerry Ellis tour dates is available here.