So Jest End Gala Night

Some great pics from last night's 'So Jest End' Gala Night.

Celebrity guests included Kerry Ellis, Samantha Janus and Jessie, Sam, Niamh and Sarah from IDA.

Stage Door Pics

Some great new stage door pics courtesy of major WWRY fan Hannah. Thanks a lot for these!
Remember if you have any Rachel pics you'd like to see featured, just drop us an email.

So Jest End Update

After sell-out dates at the Jermyn Street and Leicester Square Theatres last year, the hit musical comedy show So Jest End returns for three nights only at 11pm from Thu 23 – Sat 25 Apr at the New Players Theatre at Charing Cross.

The Forbidden Broadway-style show is given a more contemporary twist with regularly updated material parodying the West End’s most popular musicals. It’s devised and directed by Garry Lake (currently Pop in Queen’s We Will Rock You) and features fellow We Will Rock You stars Rachel Tucker - from TV’s I’d Do Anything, nominated in this year’s Whatsonstage.com Awards for Best Takeover for the Queen musical – Jon Boydon and Ian Carlyle as well as Louise Dearman (Evita).

The evening is hosted by stage and screen star Paul Nicholas, with special guests including Ian Kelsey (Chicago, TV’s Emmerdale) and Sandra Marvin (Hairspray). It’s choreographed by Rebecca Howell, with musical direction by Gareth Ellis.

For the New Players engagement, a special, star-studded gala performance - at 11.00pm on Thursday 23 April 2009 – will be held in aid of Whatsonstage.com’s 2009 adopted charity TheatreMAD (Theatre: Make A Difference), which supports those facing hardship as a result of HIV, AIDS and other long-term conditions.

“Whatsonstage.com is all about celebrating theatre and we’re impressed by So Jest End’s approach of doing this in a fun, light-hearted but loving, way. We hope it becomes a weekly Theatreland must-see.” Terri Paddock

Update From Rachel!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hello campers!!! Back from the dead? No just been very busy with work and wedding planning-very exciting! I didn't know how exciting it could be! Got most of the important things taken care of; church, reception even the DRESS, now all that i need is someone to marry!!!. . . . . . (Good job my Guy has a sense of humour!)

Well, It's been almost 7 months from the start of WWRY and I'm still loving it! Unfortunately I've been off all this week with an injury to my ankle(did it before the matinee on sat) and won't be back for another few days at least, but it does give me lots of time to sit with my leg up and write you a line.

As some of you might have noticed our cast has changed ever so slightly in the past few weeks. Weve got two gorgeous new cast members, Ashley an Shara who are just fab and are lovely! I'v been on quite recently for Scara a few times which has been great fun and then the tour has just begun up in Manchester with none other than our lovely Ashley Russell!!! Wanna wish her an all the cast a fab UK run, but I want her back soon cause i miss her!!! .

So its all go go go on the WWRY front but bubbling away on the boil are some other things that have been keeping me busy. So Jest End for one! Its on at the Players Theatre from the 23-25 April at 11pm (yes after the show!). Written by Rock You's very own talented Gary Lake (Pop, its a very funny 60 minutes of musical parody on West-End Musicals of the moment. If you want something funny and fresh that you havent seen before, then get your ticket (almost sold out!)-its gonna be a hit!

Also easing our way into summer on Thursday June 11th I'll be singing at the gorgeous Hampton Court Palace Festival with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in a night of 'Back To Broadway'! How exciting is that???-Just not sure how many Broadway songs I know! Well i'll have to get my thinking head on! Haven't had to think of songs in a while-all suggestions welcome!

So bye for now. Hope you're all well and still rocking on! And maybe i'll see some of you at one or both! of the above mentioned. Ps for those of you who like more of a serious piece for a night out then check out my Guys new play-Future Me by Stephen Brown at the Only Connect Theatre 1-26 April (see Only Connect website) near Kings Cross-ITS STUNNING! Starring Rupert Hill from Coronation Street. But be warned, its not for the faint hearted! Talk soon x x x

Rachel to perform 'The Best Of Broadway' at Hampton Court

Prepare to be swept away by a summer’s evening of music, atmosphere and history as the stunning Hampton Court Palace Festival, supported by Sky, returns for 2009. Now in its 17th year, this unique series of concerts is a firm fixture in the summer Festival diary. With an eclectic mix of performances from world-famous musical artists, the most intimate of settings and a backdrop steeped in history, the Festival is an unmissable and truly unforgettable experience.

See Hampton Court Palace come alive this summer, as the Festival takes over the historic grounds from 2 – 13 June with ten concerts, offering something for everyone. With this year marking the 500th anniversary of Henry VIII’s accession to the throne, the grounds are drenched in heritage and provide the perfect setting for a pre-concert picnic and music under the stars.

Opening the Festival in spectacular style is the world famous JosÈ Carreras. The great Tenor will be joined by soprano Anna Leese, and this year’s most exciting new star, 13-year-old singing sensation Faryl Smith.

JosÈ Carreras said: "I have many happy memories of performing at Hampton Court over the years and I look forward to being back there this summer."

Faryl Smith said: “It’s an honour to be working with Jose Carreras as he has such a fantastic voice! The Three Tenors are in my opinion some of the best singers in the world, so I’m very excited to be doing the concert at the Hampton Court Palace Festival!”

The series of incredible concerts will then see the UK’s most-loved pianist Jools Holland, the ‘People’s Tenor’ Russell Watson, Level 42 with their only London performance this summer, Vivaldi’s Four Seasons performed by David Garrett, Brit Award-winning singer-songwriter James Morrison and the Best of Broadway featuring ‘I’ll Do Anything’ star Rachel Tucker; all taking to the stage within the stunning Palace courtyard.

Mark King of Level 42 said; “I am thrilled that Level 42 have been invited to play at such a prestigious, beautiful and unique venue. I can hardly wait!”

Bringing the curtain down on the final night is the Beethoven Festival Finale, with pianist Freddy Kempf and violinist ChloÎ Hanslip. Together they will conclude the Festival with an almighty crescendo. Concert-goers will then be treated to the most spectacular fireworks display as the skies light up, bringing the Hampton Court Palace Festival to a triumphant end.

The Festival is not just about the music; the combination of warm summer evenings and the beautiful Palace grounds provides a perfect setting for a sumptuous pre-concert picnic. Bring your own, or enjoy a pre-ordered Carluccio’s hamper and a glass of champagne, and then take your seats in the intimate Palace courtyard for a truly unforgettable concert.

Those looking to treat themselves can enjoy exquisite pre-concert and interval hospitality in the Palace’s elegant State Apartments, which includes a menu created exclusively for the Festival by world-renowned chef Gordon Ramsay and bespoke catering company Absolute Taste.

Gordon Ramsay says of the Festival: “The Festival is incredible and each and every year it just gets better and better”

Tickets to this spectacular event will be on general sale from 6 April.