West End favourite Kerry Ellis has recorded a special version of ‘Memory’ from Cats in support of Acting For Others.
The haunting and much-covered ballad from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical has been re-written to provide the soundtrack for an emotional music video which aims to raise awareness of the plight of the industry due to the pandemic.
The brainchild of award-winning writer Jon Monie, the recording features Monie’s new theatrical-flavoured lyrics with references to everything from pantomime to Shakespeare and Singin’ in the Rain to Dear Evan Hansen.
Ellis’ distinctive voice is accompanied by images of empty theatres across the UK taken by actor and photographer Bill Ward as part of his Theatres In Danger project.
Commenting on the recording, Monie said: “Whilst the government’s recent announcements regarding the proposed return of live indoor performances are hugely welcome, fully reopened venues remain several months away at best.
“The theatre industry will be one of the very last to return to normal and people in all areas of the business are really struggling. But we are still here, waiting in the wings.”
First shared on Facebook, the video was viewed over 5,500 times in just under 24 hours.
Angela Thomas
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