Kerry Ellis joins the cast for the upcoming UK tour of Oscar Wilde’s play directed by The Original Theatre Company’s Artistic Director, Alastair Whatley. 

In her first non-singing role, Kerry Ellis joins the 2018 UK tour of The Importance of Being Earnest to play Gwendolen when the production visits: Yvonne Arnaud Theatre Guildford, Courtyard Theatre Hereford, Theatre Royal Plymouth, Belfast Grand Opera House, Theatre Royal Bath and Manchester Opera House. Hannah Louise Howell will play Gwendolen at all other venues. 

Also joining the previously announced Gwen Taylor as Lady Bracknell and Susan Penhaligon as Miss Prism in the production will be  Geoff Aymer, Louise Coulthard, Thomas Howes, Peter Sandys-Clarke and Simon Shackleton, playing Chasuble, Cecily, Algernon, Jack and Lane/Merriman respectively.

Kerry Ellis is best known  for originating the role of Meat, in Queen’s We Will Rock You and was the first British actress to play Elphaba in Wicked. Her other West End credits include Murder Ballad at The Arts Theatre,  Oliver!,  My Fair Lady,  Miss Saigon,  Les Misérables and Cats.

The much loved comedy follows Jack Worthing’s endeavours to marry Algernon’s cousin, the beautiful Gwendolen. But first he must convince the fearsome Lady Bracknell of his respectability. Wilde’s classic play looks at the clash of town and country in a story of romance, identity, perambulators and capacious handbags.

As well as being directed by The Original Theatre Company’s Artistic Director, Alastair Whatley, the creative team also includes: set and costume designs by Gabriella Slade, sound and music by Giles Thomas and lighting by Alan Valentine. The tour is produced by Tom Hackney for The Original Theatre Company. 

The Importance of Being Earnest will embark on a UK tour from the 24th January until the 28th April 2018. For more information about the production visit: http://www.originaltheatre.com/portfolio-item/the-importance-of-being-earnest/