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Rent still relevant after 20 years

Rent still relevant after 20 years

Kerry Ellis is a name which has become synonymous with strong female characters.

From originating the less-than-demure role of Meat in the Queen musical We Will Rock You, to being the first Brit to lend her belting vocals to the rebellious Elphaba the Wicked Witch of the West in the Broadway show Wicked, Kerry has proved she ain’t a wilting wallflower.

So when the announcement came that the west-end star and recording artist was heading up the UK tour of Rent in Concert, I naturally presumed that she would play the most rock’n’roll character in the production – arty, feisty Maureen.

However, Kerry is playing Mimi, the tortured Latina junkie, the show’s lead love interest. Yes, Mimi gets a few punchy numbers, but she’s a far cry from Elphaba and Meat. So why not just go for the easier option of Maureen?

“It’s funny, because a lot of people have said that,” laughed Kerry. “But it’s really good to do something that I don’t usually do. Normally, I would never get cast as Mimi, but because this is a concert, I get the opportunity to do it.”

The format of Rent in Concert, stopping for one night at HM Theatre, Aberdeen, this Saturday, began as a simple idea – celebrate the 20th anniversary of Rent with a series of stripped-back gigs featuring a top west-end lineup. But as fan interest erupted at the mere whisper of the tour, the concept morphed into something a lot closer to a full-scale production.

“It has really evolved since then. We now have some set, the band is on stage with us and we’re in costume, so it has turned into more of a show,” said Kerry.

“And the great thing about Rent is that the story is told through the songs, so you feel like you’re getting the whole show.”

The “concert” tag allows them to bend the rules slightly, too, much to the fans’ delight, and Kerry’s: now she gets to play the role which she has long coveted.

“I absolutely love Mimi’s songs,” she said.

“They’re really simple but great melodies, and she has a great storyline, too. I’ve just loved playing her.”

Based loosely on the storyline of Puccini’s opera La Boheme, the story follows Mimi and her fellow-band of misfits living in Manhattan’s lower-east side at the turn of 1990s. From HIV/Aids to drug addiction and homosexuality, the musical fearlessly tackled a range of controversial issues when it first made its off-Broadway debut.

But with many of these issues now being discussed readily by the mainstream, it’s perhaps surprising that Rent has maintained such enduring popularity and impact.

“I think a good story is a good story, no matter what time it is performed in. And it’s the same with songs,” said Kerry.

“And the thing about Rent is it almost seems quite current again. The style of music has that stripped-back feel, and there’s a lot of that about on stage again. And the issues, such as racism, relationships and even HIV, are very current still, even though this piece is celebrating its 20th anniversary.”

The concert’s cast are also equally committed to maintaining the impact of Rent. On the night of the Aberdeen performance, Kerry will be joined on stage by fellow musical stars Rory Taylor as love interest Roger, Paul Ayres as conflicted documentarian Mark, and Ian Stroughair as warmhearted transvestite Angel.

“I think everyone who has been cast has been done so very specifically to the show,” said Kerry.

“There’s definitely that rawness about them all which is fantastic, as these are really strong characters.”

And strength is something which Kerry has in spades. But, as the 34-year-old points out, her ability to turn up the rock factor has never stood against her, because she is able to use her voice to such varied effect.

“I’m very fortunate that people like what I do,” she said.

“It’s nice that people do follow me, even when doing different things, because I have a very distinctive style of music, but it goes across rock to classical, to musical theatre. And my fan base appreciate that because they get to see different styles.”

Aside from offering up the chance to prove her vocal flexibility and acting range, the limited run of the concert series is also a big attraction for Kerry. At only four months into motherhood, picking up short projects is much more manageable.

And while it’s a little hectic to juggle life as a musical star and mother to little Alfie, she’s certainly got the strength for the challenge.

“It’s the best thing in the world,” she said.

“Becoming a parent has been quite overwhelming for me as I had no idea what I would feel. But I would urge anybody to do it, because it’s so life changing.

“And also, nowadays, we can be working mums. People can be quite quick to say you have to be one or the other, but you don’t. It’s very doable as it’s what you make it. And I really believe that a happy parent makes a happy child, so go for it.”

Rent in Concert will perform at HM Theatre, Aberdeen, for one night only this Saturday. Tickets are available at www.aberdeen performingarts.com or by calling 01224 641122.