West End star Kerry Ellis becomes Regal, Stowmarket, patron
A West End star returned to her Suffolk roots for an evening of songs and stories on the stage where her musical career first began.
Kerry Ellis, well-known for her standout roles on the West End and Broadway — including in ‘We Will Rock You’, ‘Anything Goes’ and as the West End’s first-ever Elphaba in ‘Wicked’ — delighted a sold-out audience at The Regal in Stowmarket on Saturday.
After growing up in Haughley and attending schools in Stowmarket, the performance held special meaning for Kerry as The Regal was where she first took to the stage at just three years old - and where she has now become a patron.
Kerry said: “I’m proud to be reunited with the place that started my journey into the arts.
“The Regal is such a wonderful place and a real part of Stowmarket’s community.
“It was the place I loved to be in when I was younger and, since retuning recently with my ‘Coming Home’ show, I feel it’s a place for my future too.
“I hope that more and more people find it too”.
During her show, the audience was captivated by her performances of beloved songs such as ‘Over the Rainbow’, ‘I Dreamed a Dream’ and ‘Defying Gravity’.
A special highlight of the evening was a virtual duet with Brian May for ‘Love of My Life’.
Between songs, she shared heartfelt memories of her upbringing, reflecting on her time at Stowmarket High School, attending local dance classes and participating in the Stowmarket Carnival.
Kerry shone a spotlight on local talent by inviting two young performers, Layla Peckford and Bella Ross, to join her on stage.
Layla delivered a rendition of ‘No One But You’ from We Will Rock You while Bella impressed with ‘Can’t Help Lovin’ Dat Man’ from Showboat and an original song.
Kerry also invited her school friend, Bobby, to join her for a duet of ‘I Know Him So Well’.
Kerry spoke passionately about the opportunities she received growing up and her commitment to offering similar chances to others as the singer begins her official patronage at the venue.
General manager Bethany Couch said: “It was an honour to have Kerry Ellis, Queen of the West End, back to perform on The Regal stage.
“She was so kind and only had nice things to say about The Regal as a venue.
“You can tell that both The Regal and Stowmarket hold a special place in Kerry’s heart, and it was so special for the audience be able to hear Kerry talk about their local town so fondly.
“We are so thankful to Kerry for agreeing to be a patron here and performing on our stage.”