The award-winning Wicked is welcoming back Kerry Ellis, the original British Elphaba. From 4 August, Kerry Ellis will restore her widely-celebrated performance as the fabulous Wicked Witch of the West.
Kerry Ellis is delighted to be returning to the West End as Elphaba
The English actress will play Elphaba for a limited 12 week run until Saturday 25 October 2014. Willemijn Verkaik will leave the show early. The Dutch actress joined the West End cast in November 2013. She has played Elphaba in three different languages and was originally due to be replaced by Nikki Davis-Jones in October. However, the Dutch actress is departing Wicked earlier than expected in order to have surgery on an ongoing back condition.
Speaking of Wellemijn’s incredible status at the West End, Michael McCabe, Executive Producer of Wicked said:
“We are all so sorry that Willeminj’s truly remarkable international journey with Wicked, that begun in Germany in 2007, should end prematurely. It is only her extraordinary determination and professionalism that has enabled her to continue performing to date despite enduring pain and discomfort. We are very grateful to her and pleased that many thousands of West End theatregoers did get the opportunity of seeing her wonderful performance as Elphaba.”
Referring to having cut her West End run short as “Absolutely devastating”, Willemijn Verkaik said:
“To be given the chance to play Elphaba in four different countries is something I am incredibly grateful for…”
“… I promise I’ll be back on stage soon, in better shape than ever!” added the Dutch actress.
Ms Verkaik will play her final Elphaba performance on Saturday 19 July 2014. Emma Hatton will play the Wicked Witch of the West until Kerry Ellis steps in on Tuesday 19 August.
Ellis joined the West End’s new production of Wicked at the Apollo Victoria Theatre in 2006. Originally Kerry Ellis was a standby for Idina Menzel but stepped into Elphaba’s shoes full-time in the West End in 2007. Ellis was effectively the first British actress to play the iconic role of Elphaba. During her 18 months performing Elphaba at the Apollo Victoria Theatre, the actress won “Best Takeover in a Role” at the 2008 Theatregoer’s Choice Awards.
Talking of her return to the West End as Elphaba, Kerry Ellis said:
“It is an absolute thrill for me to be returning to this amazing show and the incredible role of Elphaba that is so very special to me. I can’t wait to be green again and join this fantastic cast.”
Having been seen by 42 million people in 13 different countries around the world, Wicked has become something of a global phenomenon. In London, Wicked is the now the 10th longest running show on the West End.
Click here to book your tickets to see Wicked!
