HAPPY BIRTHDAY RACHEL !!!!!!!!

Scaramouche Dates

As usual people are asking about Rachel's next Scaramouche dates -- she is scheduled to be on the first week of June.

Please remember that roles can change at very short notice due to illness etc.

Cabaret

OK so this isn't strictly Rachel related but there are several reasons i'm reviewing 'Cabaret' here. First and most importantly I saw the show last night in Belfast. Also as we all know Rachel was offered the Sally Bowles role very shortly after IDA ended, eventually deciding to join the WWRY cast instead. And no-one who watched IDA can ever forget THAT rendition of 'Cabaret.'

So almost a year on, having seen WWRY twice, I thought it might be nice to see 'Cabaret' with IDA finalist Samantha Barks in the Sally Bowles role.

I'm not going to do a long boring review -- suffice to say that I hadn't seen the show before and honestly had no idea what to expect.

The cast are excellent -- bags of enthusiasm and faultless performances. Apologies if I can't name the characters, but the Kitkat Club dancers were superb throughout and the elderly couple really impressed -- their doomed romance in a pre-Nazi Berlin was heartbreakingly believable.
For me Wayne Sleep as the Emcee was at times a little OTT -- perhaps a little less stage presence required.

But what of Samantha? And I'm sure she's reading this with bated breath and nibbled fingernails.

Well Samantha first appears a fair bit into the production on a flying ladder. As you do.
'Don't Tell Mama' is delightful and I was completely sold on her portrayal of Sally, particularly in the first act. She has the vampish yet vulnerable persona of Miss Bowles down perfectly.

But (you knew there would be one didn't you?) the wheels start to come off just before the interval. 'Maybe This Time' -- I've seen Rachel perform this live twice -- and just OMG. How do you follow that? Watch my footage of her at the Proms if you need any proof. Samantha is good -- but we're just not in the same ballpark here.

And 'Cabaret' itself -- well there is a bit of history here let's be honest. Rachel / IDA / semi-final anyone?
Sorry Samantha -- absolutely not your fault but nobody can ever top that. And the line 'when I go I'm going like Rachel' should really be compulsory lol.

Come on what did you expect from one of Rachel's biggest fans?

So back to act two. Considerably darker as the Nazi influences and the implosion of Sally's world juxtapose. The depressing ending is somehow fitting yet ultimately unsatisfying in my book. Merely my impression I'm sure I'll be roundly ridiculed.

Overall though I was WELL impressed with the whole production -- superb cast, classic numbers and thought provoking plot.
I wouldn't recommend the show for under 13s -- the nudity isn't particularly explicit (though I suspect it may have been toned down a little for Belfast) but there's a strong adult theme throughout.

Rachel would make this production absolutely her own but despite her absence you'll enjoy this show.

A Wee Bit More Niamh News

Following on from Niamh's major casting in Mamma Mia here are a few more details.

Sally Ann Triplett and Niamh Perry play mother and daughter (the lead roles) in the stage musical at the Prince Of Wales Theatre, London's West End, for 6 months opening Monday 15th June 2009.
The cast are currently in the 2nd week of rehearsals.

Also Samantha revealed in a Belfast Telegraph interview yesterday that she and Niamh are moving in together in Chiswick, South London.

Congratulations to Niamh

Major congrats to Niamh who was landed the role of Sophie in Mamma Mia. Anyone who has seen the show or the film will know that this is a huge role and we want to wish her all the very best.
More details as we get them.

Nice one Niamh!

WWRY Competition

The WWRY Facebook Group are running a competition for two tickets to the 7th Anniversary Show.

Check it out here:

WWRY COMPETITION

More Hampton Court Palace Details

As Rachel mentioned in her recent blog update, she'll be appearing at the Hampton Court Palace Festival on Thursday 11th June.

Unfortunately I won't be able to make it as I'll be in Canada that week, but at huge expense we've arranged for our roving reporter Rosie to be there with her state of the art camera to preserve the event for posterity.

Here are some more details of the event -- note who has top billing!

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra's Best of Broadway
featuring Rachel Tucker, Mary Carewe, Ria Jones, Michael Dore and Graham Bickley>


Now in its 17th year, the Hampton Court Palace Festival has grown into one of the UK's most exciting music events. In a setting like no other, the newly presented Base Court plays host to an eclectic mix of concerts over 10 nights featuring some of the biggest names from the world of music.

The combination of warm summer nights, picnics in the 17th century gardens and some of the world's leading musicians make for a truly magical and unforgettable experience.

The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by David Firman, brings this exciting show celebrating the very best of Broadway and the West End to Hampton Court Palace Festival this summer.

The show will feature a selection of best-loved numbers from the greatest productions in history including Grease, Mamma Mia, Cabaret, Phantom of the Opera and Les Miserables. The dazzling cast of singers include Ria Jones, Mary Carewe, Graham Bickley, Michael Dore and Rachel Tucker from TV fame I'd Do Anything. Trained at the Royal Academy of Music Rachel was a finalist for the role of Nancy in the talent show I'd do Anything and has since appeared in Ben Elton's We Will Rock You.

Stunning So Jest End Review

OK so we're not entirely sure who 'Rachel Tudor' is, but the reviewer straightens up and flies pretty quickly with a rave review of the show. Much praise for Rachel as well. Excellent!

This fast-paced, enjoyable hour stars four talented, versatile young performers from hit musicals Evita (Louise Dearman)and We Will Rock You (Ian Carlyle, Jon Boydon & Rachel Tudor, the latter via BBC 1’s I’d Do Anything). It alsopokes fun at a range of other West End Musicals from long-running favourites like Phantom of the Opera and Les Miserables to Avenue Q and High School Musical. It’s as upbeat a show as you could ever hope to experience and one that showcases the high levels of talent inherent to such musicals. As if those weren’t reasons enough to go see it, jesting aside, this show also offers a portion of its proceeds to TheatreMAD, the theatre industry’s new independent charity, established ‘to support those people facing hardship as a result of HIV, AIDS and other long term conditions’, as well as The Mercury Phoenix Trust, two additional reasons to lend it your support.

The audience at the St. George’s night Gala performance seemed to consist chiefly of young, fit musical theatre performers and judging by their abundant laughter of recognition once the show began, Garry Lake (currently Pop in We Will Rock You) has hit the theatrical nail right on its self-important head with his bitingly funny lyrical observations, which are often set to either recognisable pop tunes like Gloria Gayner’s disco hit ‘I Will Survive’ or melodies which sound as though they could have been lifted right from the parodied musicals themselves. Admittedly, this show takes its cues from Forbidden Broadway before it, though it’s decidedly British tone should make it all the more funny to both home audiences and visitors to the capitol alike. There are so many hilarious moments in this show that I hardly know where to begin, for to mention one would be to leave so many others out.

Host Paul Nicholas, himself a seasoned star of stage and screen contributed his fair share, with his deadpan, deadly funny parody of West End warhorse Les Miserables being one of the highlights. Ian Kelsey’s shamelessly banal take on Chicago which he has been in himself was also a very funny reminder that I’ve never laughed so much at the musical itself. Sandra Marvin, who is currently playing Motormouth Maybelle in Hairspray nearly brought the house town with her belting rendition of some telling lyrics, and the intimate New Player’s offered an excellent opportunity to hear this awesome (there you go, I’ve used the ‘A’ word) singer up close. But however strong these powerhouse supporters were, the real stars of this show are its four young, ever changing musical theatre performers – Rachel Tucker, Louise Dearman, Jon Boydon and Ian Carlyle whose combined talent is enough to light up several big-time theatre marquees. These performers have presence, moves, singing voices, (including various accents from Mockney to squeaky clean American teen) comedic timing to spare and there’s never a dull or vacant moment in this entire programme. In fact, it’s like a marathon of good-humour and fun which will have you laughing all the way. The live band also cooks merrily along, as though the process of backing such high energy performers is an experience they too are revelling in. One of the beauties of this show, which has already enjoyed successful runs at both Jermyn Street Theatre and Leicester Square Theatre last year, is that it can be intermittently updated to reflect new ironic insights as well as the dynamics of the ever-shifting landscape of West End’s theatre-land as new musicals are continually ushered onto the big boards.

Another great thing about it is that you don’t have to be an expert on contemporary musical theatre to appreciate it, as its always, very clear which shows are being lampooned and why, and I found all of the musical vignettes funny even though I hadn’t seen all of the shows. It’s also very high energy, so witnessing its economic, not a moment or opportunity for a laugh wasted ethos in action is an exhilarating experience. Despite my praises you may still be thinking that a one hour show is a bit too brief for its own good. If so, you should think again. This is one of the most entertaining hours I’ve spent in ages, and it’s also one well worth spending your hard earned dosh on, again and again, whenever the show reappears. All that’s left to say now is encore!

Review by Mary Couzens for 'Extra Extra'.

We Will Rock You to Extend to March 2010

WWRY is set to extend it's run at the Dominion to March 2010. As yet we don't know if Rachel will be continuing as Meat after September.

Press release as follows:

The Queen musical We Will Rock You , will extend to March 2010, when the show producers and creators gather to mark the show’s seventh birthday and the start of their eighth year at the Dominion Theatre on 18 May 2009.

The show opened at the Dominion theatre 14 May 2002, following previews from 26 April 2002. The show has been seen by over 4 million people in London .

It has songs by Queen and book by Ben Elton. It is directed by Christopher Renshaw, choreographed by Arlene Phillips, with designs by Mark Fisher and Willie Williams.

The show currently features Ricardo Afonso (Galileo), Sabrina Aloueche (Scaramouche), Rachel Tucker (Meat), and Mazz Murray (Killer Queen).

So Jest End @ The New Players

West End Eurovision 2009- We Will Rock You (Love Shine A Light)

Footage of Rachel''s stunning performance from West End Eurovision. The WWRY cast were robbed!

Praise for Rachel in 'West End Watch'

The 'West End Watch' site yesterday featured an article on reality TV's contribution to the West End and gave particular mention to Rachel:

''Having just last night witnessed a performance by Rachel Tucker, a runner up on ‘I’d do anything,’ the casting show for Nancy in Oliver, I can safely say that her role as Meat in We Will Rock You is well deserved. She has a phenomenal talent that should keep her in work for a long time. After her training at the prestigious Royal Academy, the reality show was merely a platform for her to showcase her singing ability and allowed her to get the recognition she needed.''

You can read the full article here:

DO ALL WEST END STARS NEED THE X FACTOR?

Rachel Does Eurovision

Does she ever stop? The answer to that question is no.

One thing Rachel doesn't like to do is stand still, so having just completed 'So Jest End', she performed 'Love Shine A Light' at the West End Eurovision Contest in Piccadilly last night. The event was held in aid of the charity TheatreMAD and was compered by Arlene Phillips in the absence of Graham Norton.

The WWRY cast took on their counterparts La Cage Aux Folles, Mamma Mia, Billy Elliot, Wicked, Dirty Dancing, The Lion King and The Phantom of the Opera, with each cast performing a past Eurovision hit.

The Mamma Mia cast triumphed with the song 'Las Vegas' but it was fairly obvious who was best -- it's only fair that 'Mamma Mia' were able to win something lol.

Mamma Mia!'s song selection, Las Vegas, didn't prove that popular in 2005, when Sweden's Martin Stenmarck finished 19th, but picked up the most votes from a panel of their colleagues, the audience, and a judging jury comprising Toby Anstis, Sally Ann Triplett, Arlene Phillips (a late replacement for the injured Graham Norton) and 1997 Eurovision winner Katrina Leskanich.

Full Esctoday.com review (note Katrina of Katrina & The Waves comment):

''The second annual West End Eurovision took place in the heart of Theatreland, London last night as the casts of some of the world's leading musicals turned their hand to Eurovision and raised a staggering amount of money for a truly worthy cause.
Eight shows took part in the competition with the cast of Grease providing the introduction. The casts of Lion King, Phantom of the Opera, We will rock you, Mama Mia, Wicked, La cage aux folles, Billy Elliott and Dirty dancing, along with their companies in the audience produced a truly unforgetable night of fun filled entertainment, generating an atmosphere that can only be compared to... the Eurovision Song Contest.

The full line-up:

Phantom of the opera - Take me to your heaven
Dirty Dancing - Volare
Mamma mia -Las vegas
Wicked- Touch my fire
Billy Elliott - Never giving up
We will rock you - Love shine a light
Lion king- Wild dances
La cage aux folles - Diva
As each act took to the stage, their companies in the audience went bananas, cheering, waving flags and supporting their own team. Those not from a specific show were able to select their favourites, but in true Eurovision style, the support that each group gave to the other acts was incredible. The night even came complete with a block vote, as the two shows from Victoria (separated from the main West End) swapped their top marks with each other.

A celebrity panel comprising Sally Ann Triplett (Bardo), Toby Anstis (Heart Radio) Arlene Phillips (Celebrity come dancing and Celebrity dancing on ice) Katrina Leskanich, the last United Kingdom winner, gave their frank and honest opinions (often hillarious) and Nicki French provided the interval act with a performance of her 2000 entry.

Last year's winning act, Wicked (who won the first annual event with their performance of Gina G's (Ooh Ahh) Just a little bit couldn't repeat the feat this time as Mama Mia stole the show with their performance of Martin Stenmark's Swedish entry from 2005, Las Vegas - compete with sequin ballroom gowns and matching hats containing pyrotechnic explosions and a lead singer that slipped into an Elvis suit half way through the performance.

We will rock you were hotly tipped in the interval after a performance of Katrina's 1997 winner, Love shine a light, which Katrina stated was undoubtedly the best performance of the song that she would ever here.

The performance of Javine's Touch my fire came complete with a sample of Beyonce's Put a ring on it, volare was performed with some extra dirty dancing by the erm... Dirty Dancing performers and there were many highlights, not least the efforts each company put into making their own postcard introduction videos.

There was of course a scoreboard hitch, with 10 points going missing, but it could not change the outcome as Mama Mia, a show bourne from the Eurovision Song Contest success of ABBA took the crown for the first time. They also won the award for Best Costumes and the cast of Phantom won an award for the best introduction postcard.

A staggering amount of more than £25,000 was raised on the night for the TheatreMAD charity which works tirelessly to raise money and awareness to help people living with HIV, AIDS or other long-term conditions. More information about the charity, how to get involved and their events can be found at www.theatremad.org.uk.

esctoday.com would like to pass on our congratulations to the TheatreMAD team and to all of the performers, musical directors and orchestra for what was one of the most entertaining nights in London and we look forward to supporting the Third Annual West End Eurovision in 2010.''