Rachel John
Born (1980-10-12) 12 October 1980 (age 43)
Hackney, East London
Alma materUniversity of Roehampton
Occupation(s)Actress, singer
Websitehttp://www.rachel-john.com

Rachel John (born 12 October 1980) is a British actress, best known for her work in musical theatre, notably for originating the role of Angelica Schuyler in Hamilton in the West End.

Personal life and education

John was born in Hackney, East London, in 1980 and grew up in Walthamstow.[1]

She is a graduate of the University of Roehampton.

Career

Musical theatre

John made her West End debut in 2005 in The Lion King as a swing and understudy for Shenzi.[2][3]

In 2014 she joined the cast of Memphis as the alternate Felicia.[4] She took over the role full-time for a whole two weeks of the run.[5]

In 2016, she played the role of Nicki Marron in The Bodyguard during its limited return West End engagement, alongside Beverley Knight as Rachel Marron. John also played the role of Rachel Marron at certain performances, despite not being listed as an official understudy.[6] She then moved with the production to the Ed Mirvish Theatre, Toronto for a limited season.[7]

From November 2017 until she left[8] in December 2018, she played Angelica Schuyler in the West End production of Hamilton, role which she originated in the UK.[9][citation needed] For this role she was nominated for an Olivier Award and a Black British Theatre Award.

John then joined the cast of Girl From the North Country in 2019, when the show moved to the Gielgud Theatre for a limited 8-week run.[10] She played the character of Mrs Nielsen in the show.

Music

In March 2022 John released a gospel album titled "From My Lips to God's Ear". The album was produced by Mercy Productions, owned by Ramin Karimloo.[11]

In May 2022 it was announced that John will be the opening act for the UK Tour dates of Dionne Warwick.[12]

Theatre credits

Year Title Role Theatre
2005 The Lion King Swing and understudy Shenzi Lyceum Theatre
2010 Sister Act Ensemble London Palladium
2010-2012 We Will Rock You Meat Dominion Theatre
2014-2015 Memphis Felicia (alternate) Shaftesbury Theatre
2016 The Bodyguard Nicki Marron Dominion Theatre and

Ed Mirvish Theatre (Toronto)

2017-2018 Hamilton Angelica Schuyler Victoria Palace
2019-2020 Girl from the North Country Mrs Nielsen Gielgud Theatre
2023 The Secret Life of Bees August Almeida Theatre

Awards and nominations

Year Work Award Category Result
2018 Hamilton Olivier Awards Best Actress in a Supporting Role in a Musical Nominated
2019 Black British Theatre Awards Best Female Actor in a Musical Nominated

Personal life

John is a Christian. Having grown up in the church, she made the decision to be baptised at the age of 16.[13]

References

  1. ^ "Rachel John : Home". Rachel John. Retrieved 6 July 2023.
  2. ^ Darvill, Josh (7 March 2022). "Hamilton star Rachel John to release debut album in April". Stage Chat. Retrieved 6 July 2023.
  3. ^ "The Lion King - Theatreland Memorabilia". www.theatrelandmemorabilia.co.uk. Retrieved 6 July 2023.
  4. ^ Millward, Tom (10 June 2014). "Full cast announced for West End premiere of Memphis". londontheatre.co.uk. Retrieved 31 March 2017.
  5. ^ Hewis, Ben (8 October 2015). "IExclusive video: Rachel John performs "Love Will Stand When All Else Falls"". Whatsonstage.com. Retrieved 31 March 2017.
  6. ^ Hewis, Ben (5 February 2016). "Beverley Knight returns to West End in The Bodyguard". Whatsonstage.com. Retrieved 31 March 2017.
  7. ^ Fricker, Karen (17 February 2017). "The Bodyguard's delicious excess, world-class singing overcome plot issues: review". The Star. Retrieved 31 March 2017.
  8. ^ Vassell, Nicole (27 January 2020). "Rachel John: 'Impostor Syndrome Is Real In Theatre'". pridemagazine.com. Retrieved 12 August 2021.
  9. ^ Hewis, Ben (27 January 2017). "Initial casting announced for West End transfer of Hamilton". Whatsonstage.com. Retrieved 31 March 2017.
  10. ^ "5 Questions from Over the Pond: Girl from the North Country's Rachel John & Jeannette Bayerdelle". London Theatre. 7 January 2020. Retrieved 8 July 2023.
  11. ^ Wild, Stephi. "HAMILTON Star Rachel John Announces Debut Album". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved 7 July 2023.
  12. ^ Staff, Stage Chat (23 May 2022). "West End star Rachel John to support Dionne Warwick on UK Tour". Stage Chat. Retrieved 7 July 2023.
  13. ^ "Rachel John: "I want to be a conduit for making God famous"". Premier Gospel. 25 May 2019. Retrieved 29 January 2023.



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