On Tuesday 17th December, Rachel John will be performing at London West End’s Adelphi Theatre in Christmas by Candlelight alongside Joel Harper-Jackson, Oliver Tompsett and Rachael Wooding, with the concert starting at 7:30pm with tickets available from LW Theatres. Earlier this year, Rachel played Zulieka in The Big Life at Stratford East Theatre, and in 2023, she performed at the Almeida Theatre in The Secret Life of Bees. Having originated the role of Angelica Schuyler in Hamilton in the West End, Rachel was nominated for an Olivier Award and Black British Theatre Award for her portrayal, and her further credits include We Will Rock You, Memphis and Sister Act. As a singer, Rachel released her debut album in 2022 – From My Lips to God’s Ears, and in the same year, she supported Dionne Warwick on her UK Tour. Answering our questions, Rachel talks about the upcoming Christmas by Candlelight concert, playing Zulieka in The Big Life, originating the role of Angelica Schuyler in Hamilton in the West End and supporting Dionne Warwick on her UK Tour in 2022.
You are part of the line-up of Christmas by Candlelight, which will be performed at the Adelphi Theatre in London’s West End on 17th December, can you tell us about the concert?
I am so excited about this concert as we will be singing lots of Christmas classics in a beautiful venue. Get ready to feel nostalgic as we get you in the Christmas mood.
What are you looking forward to for performing in Christmas by Candlelight?
I don’t want to give anything away, but I cannot wait to duet with Rachael Wooding.
How does it feel to be on the line-up with Joel Harper-Jackson, Oliver Tompsett and Rachael Wooding, and have you worked with any of them previously?
It is so lovely to be back with my friends! I first worked with Rachael and Oliver in We Will Rock You at The Palladium and Joel and I worked on a tour of RENT. I recently did the Proms with Oliver as well and it is always wonderful to be surrounded by such talent.
How are you preparing for the concert and do you have a favourite song on the setlist?
I have been preparing by playing the songs every day, looking through the sheet music and singing to the learning tracks, though nothing compares to the live band we will have on stage on the night. It is fun preparing songs that get you in the mood for Christmas. It is so hard to choose my favourite song, but if I have to choose one then it would be O Holy Night. I cannot wait for all four voices blending together in this beautiful song.
Who do you think will enjoy attending Christmas by Candlelight, and why would you recommend booking tickets?
It is also wonderful when audiences come out and support concerts, so the invitation is extended to everyone. I would recommend joining us on the 17th because you will love the songs, the atmosphere and it will fill your heart with joy and warmth.
Earlier this year, you were playing Zulieka in The Big Life at Stratford East, how was this?
It was without a doubt a highlight of my career. It was an honour to perform at my local theatre, as I am born and bred in East London, and also, to play a Trinidadian character honoured my family. This musical has such an important story to tell of our beloved Windrush generation and I remember seeing it 20 years ago and being in awe. There is no audience like those who attend Stratford East and without a doubt the audience made the show feel alive and the auditorium was full of love.
What was it like performing at the Almeida Theatre last year in The Secret Life of Bees?
I was a fan of the book and the movie, so I felt so blessed to join this incredible cast. The music was so good and I loved singing these songs. What a dream to perform at The Almeida! I had to pinch myself!!!
What are some of your stand-out memories from your time originating the role of Angelica Schuyler in the West End production of Hamilton, which saw you be nominated at the Olivier Awards and Black British Theatre Awards?
There are so many memories, it is genuinely so hard to pick!!! If I had to pick one, then it would be the kids show. There is nothing like seeing an auditorium with children who have never seen the show or musical theatre and are experiencing it and reacting vocally. It is the beauty of how theatre can cause a reaction and get people talking. It was a very special performance.
How did you find the experience working on the Queen jukebox musical We Will Rock You at the Dominion Theatre as Meat?
Meatloaf was fun, gritty, fierce, loving and like nothing I have played before or played since. Maybe I should consider being blonde again!!! The music of Queen brought lots of audience members into the Dominion and every show was buzzing. It was my first principal role and I will never forget the support and fun I had with the casts over the years.
Can you tell us about some of the other shows you’ve performed in over your career so far, which have included A Christmas Carol as Ghost of Christmas Present (The Old Vic), Girl from the North Country as Mrs Nielsen (Toronto / West End), The Bodyguard as Nicki Marron (West End / UK Tour) and The Lion King (West End / Asian Tour)?
Playing Felicia in Memphis at the Shaftesbury will always hold a special place in my heart and Sister Act at The Palladium was like being in church eight times a week. I loved it!
As a singer, you released your debut album From My Lips to God’s Ears in 2022, what was it like to record?
It was during lockdown and it was recorded in my friend’s church in Tooting and although the church was empty, it was full of love, blessings and peace. It was such a release to sing from my heart and my spirit at a time when you could not be together. I am so proud of what we all achieved. It is a live recording, so we captured all the feelings in the moment.
What was it like supporting Dionne Warwick on her 2022 UK Tour?
It was a blessing and I could not believe that she chose me! Not only did I get to open for her every night, but then I got to watch her concert every night. I learned so much from her and she was gracious and kind. I will always be grateful.
How did you get into acting/performing and was it something you always wanted to do professionally?
I always sang at church, but did not see it as a career. I went to university to study Drama and English Literature so that I could become a teacher, but I went to an open call for The Lion King to see the audition process and was unsuccessful. I then started to work as an admin assistant and a year later was asked to audition for a Disney show in Disneyland Paris. This was in 2004 and, as they say, the rest is history! I made my West End debut in 2005 in The Lion King at the Lyceum and I have been grateful ever since.
What are some of your favourite theatre shows to watch, and how do you like to spend your free time?
To be honest, my favourite shows change all the time because I try to visit the theatre as much as I can! This year, I really enjoyed watching Shifters, it was a fantastic show with so much heart.
I spend my free time cooking, listening to music, watching movies and writing music.
What are you hoping 2025 brings for you?
I hope that 2025 brings, joy, peace, love and lots of open doors of exciting opportunities for us all.
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