'...this spoof musical parodies every scene to perfection... Ellis Kerkhoven’s fast-paced direction keeps the humour flowing with flawless transitions...a perfect parody with a realm of retro references that shouldn’t be missed'  The Reviews Hub ​5 star

'Guided by the expert direction of Ellis Kerkhoven' Broadway World  5 star

​‘impeccable staging...one of the best satirical shows I’ve ever seen' Lost In TheatreLand 5 star

'Genius direction by Ellis Kerkhoven writes the most fantastic love letter to the show.'​ Everything Theatre 5 star

'Working with the fabulous team on Stranger Sings The Parody Musical has been a blast. What could be more perfect during this rather oppressive and serious time in the World, than a whole dose of joy, silliness and shameless musical theatre?! Rehearsals have been fast, furious and fun - and directing this hilarious, talented cast has been a dream. As the show goes from strength to strength over in the US, we here in Team UK have worked for months, ensuring the show appeals to our sense of humour, creative tastes and caters for the nations insatiable appetite for 80’s synths music and retro nostalgia! Anyone who comes to see the show at the Vaults, a perfect ‘upside down’ venue(!) will leave uplifted and singing these fab songs for days!!’ Ellis

​DIRECTOR - Ellis Kerkhoven
Ellis is a UK based director, writer, devisor, lyricist and theatre maker. Originally from Worcester, he trained at the Guildford School of Acting, and  trains regularly as a member of the Authentic Artist Collective in London, exploring his passion for collaborative, ensemble-based theatre making.

Theatre Director & Writer Credits 
Disney - The Castle! - Associate Director, Resident Director & MOCAP Director. World Premier, Riyadh Season, 2023-24 (Directed by Kate Golledge)
Stranger Sings - The Parody Musical! - Director. UK Tour, 2023-2024 (Written by Jonathan Hogue)
Stranger Sings - The Parody Musical! - Director. Southwark Playhouse, 2022 & 2023 (Written by Jonathan Hogue)
Stranger Sings - The Parody Musical! - Director. London Premier, The Vaults, 2022 (Written by Jonathan Hogue)
WINNER of BEST IMMERSIVE PRODUCTION in ETTIES Awards, 2023.
Nominated for 3 x OFFIE Awards (Best Show & Best Supporting Actor x 2) 
Beauty & The Beast - (Co-directed with Estelle Van Warmello, Script Developer & Dramaturg to writer Lyndsay Maples) Hereford Courtyard, 2022
WINNER of BEST DIRECTOR in 2023 British Pantomime Awards.
Also nominated for Best Script in 2023 British Pantomime Awards
PlayMakers - (Co written & Co-directed with Kate Golledge), The Little Company, Singapore Repertory Theatre, (Tour 2022)
​Phoenix Rising - UK & Australian, Winsen Productions 2021
Nightshade - Bridewell Theatre London, 2021
Jack & The Beanstalk - (Co-director with Estelle Van Warmello, also Script Developer & Dramaturg to writer Lyndsay Maples) Hereford Courtyard, 2021.
Nominee for 2022 British Pantomime Awards, for Best Show & Best Script
A.L.I.C.E. In Wanderlust - Lawrence Batley Theatre, Huddersfield,  British Youth Music Theatre, 2019
Who Put Bella In The Wych Elm? Royal Central School of Speech & Drama,  London, 2019
Nursery Crimes - (Co-written & Co-directed with Kate Golledge), Singapore Repertory Theatre, 2018
Children of the New Forest - (Written by Caroline Wigmore & Jen Green) Barbican Theatre, Plymouth, British Youth Music Theatre, 2017
Charlottes Web  - (Written by EB White, Co-directed with Kate Golledge) Singapore Repertory Theatre, 2017.
The Straits Times Theatre Award Nominee 2017 for Best Play for Young People.
Maelstrom - Legends of the Underworld - Aberdeen International Festival, British Youth Music Theatre, 2016
The Midnight Flower Press - Barbican Theatre, Plymouth, British Youth Music Theatre, 2015
Freak or Unique - Haringey Shed & Upswing Circus, London, 2014
Vortex - Edinburgh, British Youth Music Theatre, 2014

Radio Director Credits
Giving - (Written by Gill Parsons), Feral Productions 2021 Funded by Arts Council England

Workshops (Writer/Director)
Demons - (written by Neil Gaiman) RichMix London, Lowdown Scratch Night
Storms - ‘Water On The Moon’ Festival, Ruby In The Dust, Menier Gallery

Bertie Brown’s Bit’n’Bob Shop - The British Museum
Texas Rose - Arts Theatre, London

​The dark dark… - Theatre503, London
How to Save The World - British Youth Music Theatre
A Drug Called Love - British Youth Music Theatre
The Forest - British Youth Music Theatre
Lullaby of Broadway - British Youth Music Theatre
Sleepy Hollow - Edinburgh, British Youth Music Theatre