Local children sing with West End star  

From the West End to Broadway, Kerry Ellis has starred in some of the most iconic shows as well as achieving chart-topping success as a recording artist. On Sunday 1 July, local children got the opportunity to learn from this leading lady of the West End through an exclusive workshop.

 

Kerry worked with the children who attend Razzamataz Newbury to create a masterclass in singing and performing. The start of the workshop was to focus on the students and what they wanted to get out of the class. Kerry explained that she loved to also learn from them and to find out how they access music, what their aspirations are and what challenges they face. During the workshop, the students learnt how to act through a song and how to approach a song right from the start. Kerry also shared her knowledge and experience on audition prep and how to get the most out of each performance.

 

Kerry was the first British Elphaba in the West End smash, Wicked, for which she won the 2008 Whatsonstage.com Award for ‘Best Takeover in a Role’. Oliver!, My Fair Lady, Miss Saigon and Les Miserables are just some of the other wonderful shows she’s starred in.

 

“From working on the West End stage to Broadway, there’s really been so many special moments in my career and I’m eternally grateful for it all,” says Kerry. “Some of the most special memories are performing with Brian May (Queen’s guitarist) at the Royal Festival of Remembrance to honour those who have given their lives fighting for the country. As someone who loves musical theatre, performing on Broadway for the first time was of course a dream come true and recording my first album was a wonderful experience.”

 

The relaxed workshop allowed the students to ask Kerry lots of questions and it gave them a wonderful insight into the life of a professional performer who has achieved a huge level of success.

 

“Performing arts can offer so much, regardless if children want to work professionally in the industry,” Kerry added. “Theatre practice really brings in an awareness of yourself and teaches skills such as team work, communication as well as general physical fitness.”

 

It’s a big part of the Razzamataz ethos to bring in top class professionals to work with the students. Learning from those who are currently enjoying successful careers is extremely motivating for students and gives them a real sense of what the performing arts industry is all about.

 

Macauley from the Razzamataz Newbury Seniors class said “I had a great time on Sunday working with Kerry and Michael learning great ways of singing and working well in groups with other Razz students. Kerry also told us some amazing things about what she has done and it is really inspiring. I found this experience amazing and it is a one in a lifetime opportunity and I would love to do it again.”

 

Children who attend Razzamataz Newbury will take part in dance, drama and singing classes and experience everything from classic West End musical theatre styles through to street dance, pop singing and acting for camera. Students get lots of opportunities to perform, have fun and make new friends, build on their confidence and social skills all while keeping fit and active. Classes start at age 2 and go on to 18 and there are regular special guest workshops for students of all ages.

 

Classes in Newbury are on a Saturday morning between 9am and 1:15pm. To book a FREE trial session at Razzamataz Newbury email [email protected] or call 01635 905404.