Elphaba in Wicked, Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady and Grizabella in Cats – multi award-winning actor, singer and leading lady of West End musicals, Kerry Ellis has played them all. Hers is a voice that has thrilled audiences across the world, and on successive dates at The Bridgewater Hall. Now, as part of our Winter programme, Ellis is appearing in the ultimate festive party: the annual Christmas Spectacular. Glittering, atmospheric and irrepressibly fun, the evening is a true feast of music, song and dance in the countdown to Christmas.
In preparation, we spoke to Ellis about her upcoming performance: here, she gives us a sneak peak behind the scenes, shares what it’s like to record a Christmas song with Brian May and tells us what she really thinks of Brussels sprouts… Read on to find out more.
Christmas Spectacular With Kerry Ellis | Monday 19 December 7.30pm
Tickets from £25 | Book Now
What is it that makes Christmas concerts so special?
I love Christmas. A big part of it is the music: these concerts are just so magical, they get you in the mood with all your favourite Christmas hits, songs that you love to hear and I love to sing.
You’ve performed at The Bridgewater Hall many times over the years. Do you have any favourite memories of appearing here?
I love The Bridgewater Hall. I always know it’s Christmas when we kick off our concert here. The audiences are so wonderful and it’s just such an elegant way to start the festive season, singing these beautiful songs in the beautiful Bridgewater Hall auditorium.
Can you describe what it’s like to look out at a full auditorium from the Hall’s stage?
It’s always incredible to look out at a full auditorium and The Bridgewater Hall does not disappoint, but more importantly it’s all about seeing smiley faces, knowing that it’s Christmas and that we are sharing an evening of live music together. It’s very special.
Is there a song that you’re most looking forward to performing at the Christmas Spectacular? If so, why?
Each year we try to shake up the programme so there’s something new, but I do really enjoy singing ‘Oh Holy Night’. You can hear a pin drop and the reaction is just wonderful.
What’s the atmosphere like behind scenes at the Hall before a performance?
The atmosphere is always wonderful because we’re all coming together and it’s usually our last performance before we all go home to our families for Christmas.
It’s a very special time and I really look forward to it every year.
We’d love to know your warm-up ritual – and if there’s anything you do differently before a festive show?
It’s quite a big programme at Christmas and we sing a lot of material. We usually have to run most of it in the soundcheck with the orchestra, so warm-up is usually the soundcheck itself. There’s always such a good atmosphere and a good mood amongst everybody – we do have a giggle.
And how do you celebrate afterwards?
After the show, I’m rather boring really and tend to go back to the hotel room or home, depending on what venue is next. It’s that journey towards Christmas Day, and making sure we can get to all the shows across the UK.
The concert takes place on 19 December, the Monday before Christmas. What would your perfect Christmas Day be like?
Well this year is very exciting because my family and I are flying to the Maldives on Christmas Day. It’s a holiday that’s been put off for nearly three years now, so we are so excited. I like to change it up and spend Christmas a little differently each year.
What was recording One Beautiful Christmas Day with Brian May like?
I am so proud of this song! Having collaborated with several new writers from Manchester, we took the song to Brian May to see if he would feature on it. He loved it so much that he got involved and we developed it together. It’s lovely to have your own Christmas song out there and I hope people play it, sing along and enjoy it again this year.
Finally – do you like Brussels sprouts? We can keep a secret, promise…
I love Brussels sprouts! I’m a veggie anyway and sprouts roasted with nuts and garlic are just the best thing ever. Why do we only eat them at Christmas?