What was the first thing that went through your head when you found out you had landed the role of Elphaba?
O MY GOD! Wicked!

Had you seen any of the other Wicked productions prior to accepting the role?
No, I had just heard the soundtrack

Have you read Maguire's novel, Wicked - The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West?
Yes

We know you are playing Elphaba, but are you more like her or Galinda?
As a person I'm more Elphaba, but my look is more Galinda. I love my heeled shoes!

Now you've had the chance to experience being a stand-by for a major role, would you prefer to be stand-by or an understudy?
Neither, it's too much pressure!

It must get boring backstage, just hanging around waiting to be called upon. What backstage pranks/entertainment do you have going on in order to amuse yourself throughout a show?
We make lots of tea and sit and chat, a lot!

What is your favourite song?
There are too many… but No Good Deed or maybe Wizard and I

What is your favourite scene?
I enjoy the whole show really, but I do enjoy Popular, and watching Galinda jump around!

Who is your favourite character?
I love Madame Morrible - Miriam is fantastic!!!

What is your favourite Elphaba costume?
Act Two, the black dress for No Good Deed

What is your fastest costume change?
Going into the Emerald City

Have you had a chance to greenify yourself yet?
Yes, a few times.

At the moment, how long does it take you to get all greenified?
About 20 minutes, but I have lovely people to take care of that for me

Have you had 'the chance to fly' with the 'Defying Gravity' lift?
Yes.

And what was that like?
It's a bit like a fairground ride!

What is the back-up plan if the lift does not work?
Well, hopefully you will never see that!

Okay, so what would happen if you ever dropped your broom while you were high above the stage defying gravity?
Never thought about it… till now! Ahhh!

Do you have an official start date yet?
Yes. 1st January 2007. And Press Night on the 9th January 2007

What excites you the most about taking over from Idina as Elphaba?
Being a part of the fantastic show!

What scares you the most about taking over from Idina as Elphaba?
Sustaining 8 shows a week. It's a tough role

Can you give us an indication on how you are going to be playing the character?
As honest and true as I can

And finally, what advice do you have to anyone out there that finds themselves in Elphaba's shoes?
BELIEVE IN YOURSELF!

EDITOR'S NOTE: Ms Ellis very kindly agreed to answer the above questions for us here at WickedUK.co.uk. We would therefore like to take this opportunity to thank Ms Ellis for her time and effort that made the above interview possible.