New Kerry Ellis/Brian May Collaboration Announced; Candlelight Concerts, Feb 2014

Due to the phenomenal success of their previous tours, legendary Queen guitarist Brian May and singing sensation Kerry Ellis are to perform together once again, in a brand new show, The Candlelight Concerts.

Beginning at the Gordon Craig Theatre in Stevenage on 18th February, join them for a magical evening of world class acoustic music, performed by candlelight at intimate venues around the UK.

Kerry Ellis was the creator of the role of Meat in We Will Rock You, and went on to become a sensation on both sides of the Atlantic starring as Elphaba in the musical Wicked. Throughout this time, Brian May and Kerry Ellis maintained a special musical partnership, with May producing the Ellis debut album 'Anthems' in 2010. Their first tour played 12 successful dates around the UK in 2011, including two sold-out nights at London's Albert Hall, for which Kerry won the Best Solo Performance award from Whatsonstage.com. The two then returned to the road with their eagerly anticipated tour in November last year, which was extended in 2013.

The Candlelight Concerts will see Brian and Kerry perform stripped down versions of Queen classics alongside a number of their personal favourite songs, showcasing Kerry's voice with Brian accompanying her on both guitar and vocals.

Brian May said: "Although life has taken me into so many new areas recently, music is still what energises me - the greatest joy. And Ms Ellis is the most inspiring collaborator - we're a pretty good band! I'm grateful for the opportunity to bring this show to a wider audience - already working on hardening up the finger ends..."

Kerry Ellis added: "I am so excited to be taking to the road again with the candlelight concerts; it's humbling to have such demand for our show. I can't tell you how much I enjoy performing these songs with Brian and what fun we have with the audiences in these intimate settings. I feel very honoured and can't wait to get going."

Kerry and Brian have performed together to wide acclaim on a number of occasions over the last few years. Preceding their previous tours, they stole the show when they performed together at the Royal Variety Show in 2008 and at the BBC Proms in the Park and at 2010's The Night of 1000 Voices. Along with TV appearances, they also opened the Remembrance Day concert at the Royal Albert Hall in 2010.

Before hitting the road again, Kerry and Brian have also collaborated with legendary British screen actress and animal rights activist Virginia McKenna to record a version of McKenna's original song "Nothing Really Has Changed". It was recorded during Ellis and May's live performance at the recent Montreux Jazz Festival, and all profits from the sale of the track will go to the Sponsor Badger Vaccination Fund.

Tickets for The Candlelight Concerts are on sale now.

Full UK Tour Dates

18 February 2014 - Stevenage Gordon Craig Theatre

www.gordon-craig.co.uk / 01438 363 200

19 February - Buxton Festival

www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk / 0845 127 2190

21 February - Scarborough Spa

www.scarboroughspa.co.uk / 01723 821 888 £39

22 February - Grantham Meres

www.guildhallartscentre.com / 01476 406158 £39

23 February - Bath Theatre Royal

www.theatreroyal.org.uk / 01225 448844

25 February - Eastbourne Congress

www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk / 01323 412000

26 February - Southend Cliffs Pavilion

www.southendtheatres.org.uk / 01702 351135