Andy Goes Back to Oz, Again!

My London Weekend.

As I mentioned in my review of the show on 31st August, I had planned to go back and do it all again on Monday 20th September, the day before my Birthday. However after talking to Rachel at the stage door I discovered she was off on holiday between the 20th and 25th so I had to quickly amend my plans.

If you’re reading this Rachel, I hope you had a fantastic time!

I managed to book an extra couple of nights in London and re-scheduled my visit for Friday 17th. As you will see from the above picture that proved to be a successful move.

As it’s only a few weeks since my last review I wont go into any details about the show itself. Needless to say it was fantastic and Rachel was as breath-taking as always. Instead I’ll jump ahead to my chat with the lady herself at the stage door.

As I was waiting for her to come out I decided I might as well try to get the autograph’s of the other members of the cast, they are after all an amazing group, as Jessica said in her review below. During this time I was approached by a couple of girls who wanted their picture taken with Louise Dearman. Of course I was happy to oblige and afterwards they offered to return the favour, so I now have another picture to add to my increasing collection of me with west end stars.


Last time I had to wait nearly an hour before Rachel emerged from the stage door but this time it was no more than 30 minutes, probably less. How she managed to de-greenify and look that stunning in so little time I’ll never know.

We chatted for quite a while and I was slightly more relaxed than last time so actually managed to say a few coherent words back. I congratulated her on another faultless show, she asked me how I was, how long I was staying in London and when I was making my next trip to the Appollo Victoria. I told her it’s likely to be for a Wednesday matinee performance at the end of November and that’s when she informed me that she doesn’t come out after matinee shows because it takes too long to de and re-greenify. She said if I get there for about 12:30 I should catch her going in, so that’s what I intend to do.

We talked about her lovely new dog Barnaby who I’m sure you’ve spotted a few posts down - SO cute – and how she likes karaoke on holiday but usually has to sing badly because lets face it, who’d want to follow Rachel on stage.

I told her that after changing my plans to come to Wicked on the Friday, I’d arranged to go and see ‘Legally Blonde’ on Monday evening. She said that she loved that show and had been to see it when they used to hold Sunday matinee performances. The 2 girls who took the photo of me and Louise were waiting patiently to talk with Rachel but when I mentioned going to ‘Legally Blonde’ they also jumped in and said what a great show it was. However, they thought Sheridan Smith might be off with a bad back. probably due to a little bit too much Bend & Snap - you’ll know what I mean if you’ve seen the show – but thankfully as you can tell from the picture below, that wasn’t the case.


While I was chatting to Rachel, Lee Mead was signing autograph’s but before he left he came over to say goodbye to his ‘Wicked’ co star, giving her a friendly peck on the cheek. I joked that kissing Rachel was probably the best part of the show for Mr Fiyero and he didn’t disagree. Rachel pointed out that Lee doesn’t fancy her but he is a heterosexual male so I’m not sure that can be true.

We chatted for so long I actually got 2 hugs but I almost forgot to get a picture. I was halfway down the road to my bus stop when I remembered and had to go sprinting back. Luckily I caught her just as she was about to leave and grabbed a passer by to take the picture at the top of the post. I wished her a happy holiday and made my way to my bus stop after another memorable night in Oz.

As Rachel predicted I really enjoyed Legally Blonde and would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a fun show with a lot of laugh’s. It’s a bit girlie but I don’t mind that and I’d happily go to see it again. Sheridan is perfect for the role of Elle Woods and I would advise anyone who is planning on seeing the show to try and do so before she leaves in January.

Before I left the Savoy I purchased the London cast recording of Legally Blonde. It's a great CD and quickly brings back memories of an excellent night. I only wish Wicked would do something similar while Rachel is in the cast. I wouldn't have thought if it was recorded live at the Appollo it would be a costly exercise and I'm sure almost every visitor to the show would buy one. Heck, I'd probably buy numerous copies just in case some got damaged! Come on Wicked, sort it out.

Rachel was as lovely as always when I met her after the show and I'd like to end by thanking her for taking the time to chat with me at the stage door, it really means a lot.

Rachel Tucker - A Reality TV Fairytale?

Time for a quick recap.

To the majority of the television viewing public the name Rachel Tucker will ring with a sense of familiarity but to those who incessantly watched the reality TV series “I’d Do Anything” the name Rachel Tucker would boom with the image of a strong female stage performer.

The Andrew Lloyd Webber show offered the winner a stunning opportunity to perform, the lead role, in Cameron Mackintosh’s take on the cult stage classic “Oliver!” at West End’s Theatre Royal Drury Lane. Although Rachel actually came 4th, her undoubted talent was spotted by those who count. Her achievements since the show are truly remarkable and dwarf those of the other contestants; even that of eventual winner Jodie Prenger. Since ‘Id Do Anything’ Rachel has played Meat in ‘We Will Rock You’ as well as being the understudy for ‘Scaramouche’ in the same show, she’s appeared on various TV shows and performed on the last night of the BBC Proms.

Tucker’s stage career actually began much earlier on in life as, in her hometown of Belfast, she found comfort on the stage performing in a father-daughter cabaret show dubbed “Tucker Kelly and the Kelstar”. During this period she was a member of the Arts Youth Theatre and showed such promise as a young actress that she was accepted into the Royal Academy Music to train in her art. Her career has also seen her take lead roles in the rock musical “Tommy” as Sally Simpson and Dorothy in the RSC adaptation of ‘TheWizard of OZ’.

Rachel’s current role is arguably the most sought after role in London’s West End, Elphaba in the hit musical ‘Wicked’, a role that truly symbolises her ability and level of success.

Current information about her shows can be found at www.londontheatre.com

Jessica's Review

Hello my name is Jessica, I am 14 years old and I am a huge Rachel Tucker and ‘Wicked’ fan. I first saw Wicked in 2008 and although I enjoyed it, I was not desperate to see it again, despite listening to the music all the time. I enjoyed watching Rachel in ‘I’d Do Anything’ and when I heard she was Elphaba in Wicked I knew I must go see it again. I live up in Yorkshire and only get to London once a year so this summer my Mum, Dad and I arranged to see it again as a treat!

On the day I was so excited! When we found our seats some people were sitting them! After establishing that they were in the wrong seats, they moved and we settled down anxiously anticipating the beginning of Wicked. We were so relieved when Rachel came on stage and we realized it was actually her! We were blown away right from the start. Rachel is fabulously talented and it was a true privilege to see her perform. The whole new 2010 cast were absolutely amazing! Everything about the show was incredible. I cannot fully describe it but everyone was just perfect in their roles and made the whole show magical. The chemistry between Rachel and Lee Mead was electric and Louise Dearman was thoroughly entertaining as Glinda. I loved Cassie Compton as Nessarose and George Ure as Boq really brought something extra special to the performance. Whoever put this cast together needs a medal! The attention to detail and the amazing set all combined to make it everything a show should be and more besides. A show has never given me goosebumps before but this one certainly did.

After the show (which was a matinee) we waited patiently at the stage door. There were lots of people shouting for Lee Mead! Only cute George Ure came outside and he was lovely. I was so annoyed myself because I am just not pushy enough and didn’t get to meet him or get his autograph. I have definitely learnt my lesson and next time I am going to barge my way to the front. LOL. We waited was long as we could but then reluctantly had to leave. Pizza Hut and trains were calling our names! Since seeing the show in August I am kind of addicted to ‘Wicked’. I listen to it constantly and watch youtube videos. We even have ‘Wicked’ playing in the car on the way to school. My Mum and I are ‘plotting’ when we can come and see the show again.

Thank you David and Andy for running this blog. I love that I can stop by whenever I want and can keep up to date with Rachel and Wicked. Her performance on Monday on The Michael Ball show was faultless and wonderfully acted. I particularly loved the ‘Day Out In Victoria’ video that Rachel and Louise made. They seem such fun and good friends. I will forever think of The Gherkin building as The Cucumber thanks to Rachel’s comment! We laughed so much at this. I look forward to seeing the show again very soon and also keeping up to date with all things ‘Wicked’ through this blog.

Jessica
From Yorkshire

'As Long As You're Mine'

Rachel and Lee perform 'As Long As You're Mine' on today's Michael Ball Show.

Corny I know but I still break into spontaneous applause when Rachel sings....

Wicked Stage Door

This lady really knows how to stage door!

Gay Pride Interview

A great wee interview with Rachel at London's Gay Pride last June. Thanks Dan for spotting this!

Congratulations!

According to Rachel's Twitter, she and Guy have become proud parents -- and what a cutie!

This is Barnaby the Jack Russell and he is just gorgeous!

Vote for Rachel!

You (hopefully) voted for her in IDA and then in the Whats on Stage awards -- now we have another chance to 'vote for Rachel' via Broadway World UK's first ever awards.

Rachel and Louise have both been nominated in the 'Best Leading Actress in a Musical' category, so hopefully the result will be Rachel first and Louise second (sorry Louise but we're a wee bit biased!)

So get voting via this link:

VOTE FOR RACHEL

At the moment Rachel is in fourth place with 13% of the vote, marginally behind Kerry Ellis (Oliver)(15%), Sierra Boggess (Love Never Dies) (18%) and the current leader Sheridan Smith (Legally Blonde) 23%

So get voting!!!!

Rachel to appear on the Michael Ball Show

Rachel and Lee Mead will be appearing on ITV's Michael Ball show on Monday 20th September.

Emily's Wicked Experience

The first time I went to see Wicked was back in May this year. I had been meaning to see it for months, years even since it came to London, but I simply never got round to it, so a friend and I threw our laziness aside and booked tickets. I must admit I had not looked up the cast yet, but when I did just before the day I went, I realised that Rachel was in it, who I suddenly realised I had supported adamantly when she was in I’d Do Anything! So that was a bonus J (I know this makes me sound like I am not a true Rachel fan, so please forgive me when I say I am a newly discovered fan since May!)

On the night we went, Sarah Earnshaw was standing in as Glinda, and who I must say was actually very good, though I obviously had nothing to compare her to. But oh my goodness, did Rachel blow me away. For me the key moment was her first solo, Wizard and I, and I had never been so captivated by a voice in my life. The hairs stood up on the back of my neck, I was amazed. She was of course brilliant for the rest of the performance, and I feel in love with her performance as Elphaba immediately! I bought the soundtrack, saw her live performance in London at West end Live (though missed out on Pride), became a devoted follower of your blog and ultimately wish I could have her voice!

Last night I went to see it for the second time, and convinced 7 other friends to go too. We were sitting on J in the Stalls, but near the right hand side, which was a shame as we missed out on the yellow brick road joke and couldn’t quite see Rachel and Lee in the last scene standing at the back when he puts her hat on her, but never mind, we got 85% good view. I could hardly contain my excitement, not just to see Rachel, but also to see the show again. I emphasised to my friends (none of whom had seen it) that it was the singing that would blow them away more than anything, and pointed out that my favourite song was Wizard and I near the start J The start, however, was quite amusing! The orchestra belted out the start of the first song, with the Ozians all jumping around the stage declaring ‘The Witch is Dead’ etc, when a stage hand with a headset came on and ushered all the cast off! The safety curtain came down, and the audience, quite bemused, mock – applauded, with numerous comments of ‘well that was brilliant, can’t wait to see the second half’ etc. The announcer assured us they would fix a slight technical hitch and be on the way again shortly. (My guess was Glinda’s bubble wasn’t working right, and had amusing images of her having to walk on stage saying ‘imagine I am in a bubble!’.) Anyway they fixed it and it all started up again, though amusingly the Ozians couldn’t throw the confetti and party poppers as they had already used them up.

I hate to say it, but at first Rachel seemed a little flat. Not in her singing, it was note perfect, but she did look tired, though I can imagine having to perform and belt out these songs every day must take it out of you. When she got to Wizard and I though, I was so glad to see she had even more of an effect on me that last time, hairs on the neck, shivers down the spine and everything, I couldn’t help but grin and whoop with appreciation at the end. My friends were all flabbergasted, I have never seen them so speechless. She was fantastic throughout the rest of it, I was so impressed. I really enjoyed ‘Popular’ this time round, I think it was because I was nearer to the front, I could really see the little looks and ‘dramatic pauses’ up close between Rachel and Louise. (they had the audience in stiches!) Louise was brilliant in that scene J Defying Gravity had everyone on their feet at the end, before the performance had even finished, the best reaction anyone could have hoped for.

The second half was also great, I loved all the little ‘bitchiness’ between Elphaba and Glinda, though one of the highlights had to be Lee arriving on stage via ‘Tarzan rope’ to a prolonged applause and girly whistling from the audience, which even got Rachel grinning slightly J I even got a lump in my throat at the end when they sang the finale, and Lee and Rachel walk off the back - brilliantly acted. At the end during the curtain call we even got Louise and Rachel out of character as they asked everyone to dig deep in their pockets as they were raising money for charity this week.

Unfortunately I couldn’t go to the stage door as I wanted to as I needed to get the train home and the boyfriend was tired, but I am adamant that I am going to see Wicked again as much as I can before the new cast change. The entire cast was brilliant last night, and I loved seeing the new reactions of my friends who hadn’t seen it. They were so impressed with both Rachel and Louise’s singing, and loved the references to the Wizard of Oz. Although it is only my second time of seeing the show, I am most truly a Rachel fan now, and I am really worrying about what I will do once Rachel stops performing in Wicked. She is so brilliant and perfect in the role, I just wish they would record it for DVD or something so I can see it as often as I liked, though it would never be the same as seeing her live!

Article from the Derry Journal

Derry schoolgirl mixes with the stars of the West End

Derry schoolgirl Abby Davidson's greatest ambition is to take the lead role of the 'bad' witch Elpheba in the hit musical Wicked.

The eight year-old fell in love with the show when she first travelled to the West End with her mum and stepdad two years ago and has since returned three times to see the tale of what happened before the green witch from the Wizard of Oz turned bad.

Her latest trip however, saw her rubbing shoulders with the shows cast including her idol Rachel Tucker who is currently starring in the coveted lead role and she says it is an experience she will 'never forget'.

"I've seen the show four times. The first was three years ago when I went with my mammy and stepdad and I loved the songs.

"My auntie Lisa took me back last Christmas and we both loved the show so much that she promised to take me back this summer again. We bought the soundtrack and love singing the songs together!"

When the pair heard that Belfast born Rachel Tucker was taking on the role of Elpheba, they decided to try and arrange to meet her on their next trip.

"We knew Rachel from 'I'd Do Anything'," Abby said. Indeed the Belfast singer reached the final of the BBC talent show where she lost out to Jodie Prenger for the role of Nancy in the West End production of 'Oliver!'. However she has gone on to great things - with Wicked being one of the most popular shows currently running in the West End.
"My auntie Lisa suggested I write her a letter, so we did and I was really happy when she wrote back! She said when we were were over we were to come to the stage door and she would come out to see us."
Donning her ruby slippers, Abby arrived at the stage door of London's Apollo Theatre last Friday and got to talk to her idol while she was painted in the trademark green paint.

"We had bought her a pair of earrings earlier that day in Covent Garden so we gave them to her and she was really happy," Abby said.
As Abby and her auntie left to see the show, they bumped into another of their West End heroes Lee Mead, who is currently appearing as Fiyero in the show.

Lee Mead is perhaps best known for winning the role of 'Joseph' in the BBC talent show 'Any Dream Will Do'. He has also famously married the show's judge Denise Van Outen and the pair have recently become parents to baby Betsy.

"He was lovely. My auntie Lisa fancied him!" Abby said with a giggle.
Once the show was over, the Derry girls met with Rachel Tucker again who gave them a thank you card and said she was so proud of the people of Northern Ireland for being so supportive.

"I'd love to be in the show one day," Abby said. "And I'd love to play Elpheba. My favourite song is Defying Gravity."

Abby and her auntie Lisa are already planning their next trip and, according to Abby, seeing Wicked is top of their list again!

Andy's Wicked Review & The End Of The Curse

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RACHEL: PLEASE READ

Before I start my review I just want to thank Rachel for taking the time to chat with me at the stage door; it was certainly one of the highlights of my year. Thanks also for getting back to David to confirm you expect to be at the stage door on both Friday 17th and Saturday 18th September. David sent me your response but I think you may have mistook Dan’s review for mine as his is situated under my ‘Holiday Update – Review to Follow’ post. Every now and then one of our readers will send us their review of the show and ask us to add it to the blog. I can safely say you have never been anything but perfect when I’ve been there. I always try and sit near the front of the stalls so I’ve certainly never found you or anyone else in the cast to be too quiet. They'll never be a better Elphaba than you Rachel because with you in the show there really is magic on the stage. Wicked will never be quite the same when you hang up your broomstick for the last time.

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Right, now on with the review.

My break in London actually started on the Sunday. I had booked 2 nights – Sunday & Monday – at the Battersea Travelodge, which I often use when going to see Wicked because the 44 bus takes me straight to the theatre in about 20 minutes.

Unfortunately when I arrived I was informed that they had over booked and that they’d have to try and find me alternative accommodation. I wasn’t best pleased I can tell you. I stood in reception for over an hour while they phoned around before he eventually said they had a room at Kew Bridge; 9 miles away, so not exactly convenient for the Appollo Victoria. After much negotiation it was decided that I’d spend the Sunday night at Kew but return to Battersea on the Monday, which at least meant I’d be able to catch the 44 bus. It was also agreed that I’d get a full refund and a complimentary breakfast, so in the end it didn’t work out too bad.

As you know, the last time I went to the show the first thing I saw when entering the theatre was the little notice saying Elphaba would be played by Nikki Davis-Jones, so the nerves were kicking in as I approached the entrance. Thankfully on this occasion the only cast change listed was Doctor Dillamond. I walked to the bar to get a drink before returning to the entrance to check the notice one last time; you can never be too sure. It’s like locking your house, you know you’ve done it but you always go back to double check. Needless to say it hadn’t changed, so I breathed a sigh of relief and made my way to my seat in Row C of the stalls.

As I was sat waiting for the show to begin I just happened to notice a guy a few seats down flicking through his programme. He appeared to pull a page out but when he turned it round I could see it was a picture of Nikki Davis-Jones; I couldn’t read the writing underneath. I knew from past experiences that they often slip details of any understudy’s that are appearing in that show into the programme, so the nerves kicked back in and I began to wonder whether they’d just forgot to update the cast changes notice on the theatre door.

I couldn’t really enjoy the opening scene as Louise came down on her bubble and kicked off the show with ‘No One Mourns The Wicked’ because I’d now convinced myself Rachel was off and that my Elphaba curse had returned. Thankfully I needn’t have worried as it wasn’t long before she burst onto the stage looking stunning in her Shiz uniform, glasses, woolly hat and of course, bright green skin. Not many people can carry that look off you know but Rachel’s a natural beauty and would still look like a princess in a bin liner.

I’m not sure what I can say about Wicked that hasn’t already been said because it’s always amazing and Rachel always steals the show with her incredible vocals and sensational acting. She brought the house down with her 3 show-stoppers - ‘The Wizard and I’, ‘Defying Gravity’ and ‘No Good Deed’. I used to think the previous Elphaba – Alexia - performed these well but she doesn’t even come close to Rachel. Some of the notes Rachel can hit simply don’t exist and her riffs are just breathtaking. She was equally as impressive performing the emotional songs ‘I’m Not That Girl’, ‘As Long As Your Mine’ and ‘For Good’. These are all duets but I find I’m transfixed by Rachel’s talent when she’s on stage and hardly even notice Lee and Louise in these numbers. I haven’t even mentioned ‘Loathing’ which is one of my favourites and really showcases Rachel’s comic acting. Elphaba goes through so many different emotions during the show and Rachel portrays each one perfectly.

Check out our video posts of West End Live and London Pride to get a taster of what you’re missing if you haven’t seen this mind blowing show.

Being a fan of Dianne Pilkington who used to play Glinda it was always going to be more difficult for Louise to win me over but I have to admit she has improved out of sight since the opening show back in March. Her vocals have always been great but she is now also bringing out the comic side of Glinda which I thought was somewhat lacking when I first saw her in the role. No-one will ever quite match Dianne – unless Rachel decides to don a blonde wig of course - but I am pleased to say Louise makes an excellent replacement. Her ‘Popular’ had me in stitches, although I think it was when Rachel tried to replicate the Toss Toss and fell off the bed that the audience really exploded into laughter.

As always the show ended to a massive ovation from a full house crowd and everyone simultaneously stood up when Rachel and Louise came back out to take their bow.

It was then time to make my way to the stage door. There were probably somewhere between 20 and 30 people already there so I joined them and stood with my toes and fingers crossed hoping Rachel would come out. I knew she had to de-greenify so guessed she’d probably be last and therefore used this time to try and think of things I wanted to say to her. 45 Minutes passed and Cast members came and went but just as I was beginning to wonder whether I was out of luck again Rachel came out the stage door.

She looked absolutely breath-taking, and I mean that literally; I was really struggling to catch my breath. I was already very nervous about meeting her again, partly because it’s nearly 2 years since I last met her in person and partly because it was the first time on my own. I think her beauty only added to my nerves. As she made her way down the line of fans I had a complete brain freeze and everything I thought I might ask her went out my head.

I don’t really know why I get so nervous because Rachel really couldn’t be nicer. She seemed genuinely delighted to see me – which made my day, probably my year – and I even got a hug; which I stumbled into on very shaky legs. I was desperately trying to think of the things I wanted to say but I think all I managed to get across was how amazing I think she is. Thankfully I did mention I was planning on going back to see her and the show again on the 20th September because she was able to inform me that she had changed her holiday dates and was now away that week. I’m now hoping to go on either Friday 17th or Saturday 18th September.

As I’m sure you’ve gathered I had a fantastic time. It seems my Elphaba curse is over and I’m already counting the days – minutes – until my next visit.

Holiday Update - Review to Follow

As you will see from the above picture I finally managed to meet Rachel at the stage door after the show on Monday 31st August to break my Elphaba curse.

How stunning does Rachel look in that picture. As Elphaba steps out the closet in her first appearance in Act 2 she says "Well, it seems the beautiful only get more beautiful" and that is certainly true in Rachels case.

I will write a full review of my day and my chat with Rachel shortly but I wanted to make sure everyone was aware of a change to Rachels holiday dates over the next few weeks. She has cancelled her days off this week and will now be away between the 20th and 25th September for a well earned break in the sun.

All her holiday dates can be found under our welcome message on the right of the blog. They are subject to change but we'll do our best to keep you updated.

Review to follow!