West End sensation Kerry Ellis will be offering her wealth of experience to theatre students in Great Dunmow after agreeing to become a patron of an arts school in the town.

The singer, actress and dancer, famed for her roles in Wicked and Oliver!”, was propositioned by pupils at Scene II, in Haslers Lane, on Twitter last week. Following a few more direct messages Kerry, from Suffolk, jumped at the chance to be involved.

She said: “It is always pleasing to be asked to be somebody’s patron. I remember when I was in college and there would be people I could look to. It is really important to give something back and being able to help other people starting off in the industry where I can.

“I will be involved with Scene II as much as I can. My life is quite crazy and it can be hard to try and organise myself, but if there is a workshop on a day I can get along to I will definitely be there.”

Kerry has fast become recognised as the First Lady of West End musicals from her starring roles in London and on Broadway, she has also achieved chart-topping success as a recording artist.

Scene II has also announced the launch of the Kerry Ellis Scholarship. This will give hopefuls a chance to audition for a place at the academy and the winner will be given a full three-year scholarship.

Artistic director at Scene II, Jacky Rom, said: “We are honoured to have Kerry as our patron as she is one of the most accomplished musical theatre artists in the West End at the moment and an inspiration to all of our students. This scholarship gives us the chance to globally find talented students to come to our academy.”

To find out more about the scholarship for Scene II visit sceneii.net.