Broadway star Idina Menzel has praised US television series Glee for highlighting the “work ethic” of performers working in musical theatre.

The singer, who created the role of Elphaba in Wicked on Broadway and in the West End, has a recurring role in Glee. She told The Stage that the series has given the general public a better understanding of the challenges faced by those working in the industry.

“It just educates the audiences about the incredible music that comes from these shows, and it gives people a real appreciation… for the work ethic involved. You can tell the kids are rehearsing, recording, dancing, singing – it’s an incredibly disciplined thing. And it gives people a real respect for what we do,” she said.

Menzel, who has just completed a tour of the UK, said she would like to appear in the West End again, having starred in Wicked when the musical opened here in 2006, but would now like to be involved in something new. “I am trying to be part of originating pieces and characters because that’s worked best for me. I love the process of being involved early on, when they are first doing readings, and the composers are just coming up with things.”