The West End v The Voice, Kerry Ellis, Twinnie Lee Moore, Max Milner

After only week two of the BBC's new reality show The Voice, three seasoned West End performers have auditioned to vastly differing results.

Kerry Ellis (above), famous for starring in lead roles in such shows as Wicked, Les Mis, Miss Saigon, We Will Rock You, Oliver and My Fair Lady and for duetting with Alfie Boe on his album and working extensively with Queen legend Brian May, was rejected by the panel on the BBC TV show at her blind audition. She took to the stage to sing "Son of a Preacher Man" for Tom Jones, Jessie J, Danny O’Donoghue and Will.i.am. Before the appearance she said, "It’s an opportunity to be known as myself and to be able to do my own songs. It’s a risk but this industry is all about taking risks.  I just hope someone turns round, I really do….oh God! This could really change things for me but if nobody turns round it will be quite humiliating." Well, as it turns out Miss Ellis and her band of screaming Wicked groupies who were particularly vocal at the end of her audition were in for a disappointment. None turned to face her and request the vocalist for their team, despite her acclaim. After the embarrassment, she admitted; "It was a risk to be publicly said 'no' to, but it's character building for me and you get back on the horse and you carry on."

Last week saw boyfriend and girlfriend Max Milner and Twinnie Lee Moore audition.

Max, whose mother is West End veteran Sally-Ann Triplett, has had roles in Footloose and High School Musical, had three coaches turn around, girlfriend Twinnie who has had numerous roles in West End productions including Rock of Ages and Flashdance and who has also worked as a dancer for various shows including So You Think You Can Dance, Britain’s Got Talent and The Al Murray Show, had none.

Well it's only week two, who knows what other West End vets we'll see before the series is out, or what their fate will be!!!

*Week 4 Postscript(14th April) - Another one bites the dust! Benjamin Lake winner of the 2004 What's On Stage Best Newcomer award for his role in Jerry Springer The Opera is the latest West Ender to fail to get any of the judges to  turn round* 

If you liked this post check out my theatre blog at http://glasgowtheatreblog.blogspot.co.uk/ or http://glasgowtheatreblog.com/