Nikki davis jones bio

Rachel Tucker

Northern Irish actress and singer

Rachel Kelly Tucker (born 29 Hawthorn 1981) is a Northern Gaelic stage actress, best known annoyed her portrayal of Elphaba thud the musical Wicked. She as well starred in Come from Abolish on Broadway, having originated high-mindedness role in the West Dispatch.

Rachel has starred in assorted other musicals and plays, together with The Last Ship (alongside Sting).

Early life and career

Tucker was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland,[1] and grew up singing border the cabaret circuit from significance age of nine with make more attractive father, Tommy (Tucker) Kelly with the addition of sister Margaret Kelly under representation group's name Tucker Kelly stream the Kelstar.[2] She was ingenious member of the Arts Prepubescence Theatre during the late Decennium featuring in shows such style Ecstasy and Our Day Out.[citation needed] She then went extensive to feature in Michael Poyner's version of the Rockin Tenno as Katisha.[citation needed] In 2001, she competed in the Hibernian version of Popstars, featuring conspicuously in episode 3 where she is featured singing "Ain't Clumsy Mountain High Enough".

Her antagonist number was B0161. She besides featured as a contestant lay into sister Margaret on Michael Barrymore's My Kind of Music disclosure "Man! I Feel Like spick Woman!".[citation needed] She also competed in the talent show Star for a Night making prestige final with her performance souk "Kids".[citation needed]

Tucker trained at representation Royal Academy of Music.[3] She worked with Any Dream Longing Do winner Lee Mead serve the 2005 United Kingdom excursion of the Rock musical, Tommy as Sally Simpson.[4] In Dec 2007, Tucker appeared as Dorothy Gale in the Royal Dramatist Company adaptation of The Conjurer of Oz at the Subjective Theatre in Belfast.

The Stage described her performance as "looking and sounding uncannily like decency legendary Garland".[5] For her highest achievement, she was nominated for plug up award in the 2008 TMA Awards.[6] Tucker recorded a symbols of the civil rights ballad "Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Spin Me Around" which was encouraged in a television advertisement put on view Libresse in 2005 entitled "March".[7]

I'd Do Anything

Tucker was chosen introduction one of the twelve finalists on the show in which began in March 2008, arrival each week in the stand up for show on Saturday evenings title the results shows which in a minute each Sunday.

She made gush to the semi-finals in hebdomad nine where she was out of the running on 25 May. In hebdomad six, she was in description bottom two with Sarah Romp, with Tucker having received high-mindedness lowest number of viewers votes. In the results show symbolic 4 May 2008, they hum "As If We Never Alleged Goodbye", from the musical Sunset Boulevard.

Andrew Lloyd Webber chose to save Tucker and dispense with Lark, saying: "I have pause think as a producer limit I do think Rachel was rock solid."[8]

Tucker was once turn back in the bottom two impossible to differentiate week eight, the quarter-final echelon of the series. She was in the sing-off for systematic second time, this time mess up Niamh Perry, with Perry accepting received the lowest number time off viewers votes.

They sang "Another Suitcase in Another Hall" evade the musical Evita. Lloyd Webber chose to save Tucker gift eliminate Perry.[9]

At the semi-final intensity, week nine, Tucker was check the bottom two for dinky third time, together with Samantha Barks, who had received representation lowest number of viewers votes.

They sang "Memory" from blue blood the gentry musical Cats. Cameron Mackintosh married the judging panel for that episode. Lloyd Webber chose strengthen save Barks and eliminate saying: "Last night Cameron tube I were both saying go wool-gathering we thought both of complete would be fantastic Nancys famous now here am I transparent with this.

But I've got to make a decision existing I've got to think disseminate where the show ultimately be glad about Cameron is going to hike and I think I have to one`s name to go with you Samantha.[10] A week after the extravaganza, Lloyd Webber said: "The actuality is Cameron wanted Rachel all over stay. He wanted Rachel have a word with Samantha in the final newcomer disabuse of the beginning of the focus.

The

Rachel did unembellished fantastic performance but I difficult to face up to blue blood the gentry fact that she wouldn't receive gone any further. What Unrestrainable may think professionally is again different to what the let slip want. I saved Rachel duo times and she still distressed up in the bottom two."[11]

Performances on I'd Do Anything

West Bring to a close and Broadway stardom

In July 2008, Tucker took part in orderly private workshop performance of rendering first act of the payoff to The Phantom of Picture Opera (Love Never Dies) whack Andrew Lloyd Webber's private Sydmonton Festival near his estate constrict Hampshire, in which she herb the role of Meg Giry.[12] On 2 August 2008, divert Belfast, she performed at picture Gay Pride Festival.

She hum a medley which included excerpts from Cabaret, "All That Jazz", "Maybe This Time" and "Don't Rain on My Parade". Company 13 September 2008, she pure alongside fellow I'd Do Anything finalist Niamh Perry at integrity Proms in the Park, spoken for at Belfast City Hall brand part of the nationwide acclamation of the BBCLast Night ticking off the Proms.[13][14] The following dowry, she performed at Andrew Thespian Webber's Birthday in the Park' show in Hyde Park, Writer, singing "Light at the Outlet of The Tunnel" from Starlight Express.[13][15] In November 2008, Finery filmed a West End mutual of The Weakest Link accumulate which she was voted put off first.

The show was ventilated on BBC1 during the 2008 Christmas schedule.[16] In late 2009, she was a judge setting amateur comedy show Find Look ahead to the Funny and presented The Friday Show, a six-part enjoyment series with Eamonn Holmes, both for BBC Northern Ireland.

We Will Rock You

From 22 Sept 2008, for one year, First-rate played Meat in the phonograph musicalWe Will Rock You, make certain the Dominion Theatre, London, in the shade the direction of Christopher Renshaw.

A review of the crevice night performance of the public image in The Stage newspaper aforesaid of Tucker's debut that she had "found the perfect episode for her large voice. Break down rendition of "No-One but Order around (Only the Good Die Young)" is one of the highlights of a first act ditch works on many levels."[17] Master was also the first batter to Sabrina Aloueche for description role of Scaramouche, and phoney the role on many occasions to cover Aloueche's holidays.

Wicked

Tucker starred as Elphaba in ethics West End production of rectitude musical Wicked, at the Phoebus Victoria Theatre, under the give directions of Joe Mantello. She replaced Alexia Khadime on 29 Parade 2010, starring opposite Louise Dearman (also her debut) as Glinda.[18] For the entirety of bitterness run, Nikki Davis-Jones was cobble together standby, and went on through Tucker's holidays and other absences.

On 1 August 2011, drenching was revealed that Tucker locked away extended her contract with character production into October 2012. Occupy June 2012, she succeeded Kerry Ellis as the longest-running Western End Elphaba.

For her adaptation of Elphaba, Tucker won on the rocks 2011 WhatsOnStage.com Award in influence category of Best Takeover pop into a Role.[19] She performed "The Wizard and I" at Western End Live 2010 and picture Laurence Olivier Awards 2012, stake "Defying Gravity" at Pride Author.

On 13 February 2011, she performed "Defying Gravity" as substance of a theatre-themed episode assess Dancing on Ice for ITV. Tucker also sang the exact same hit song at West Break Live 2011 which was spoken for at Trafalgar Square.

On 10 September 2011, Tucker was spliced on stage by Stacey Oracle to sing "For Good" put down the end of the act.

This was in aid addendum BBC Children in Need's Bang Goes the Musical, where straight whole host of celebrities graced the stages of the Western End of London to run up awareness for the charity's 2011 appeal. On 19 March 2012, Tucker won the West Mark Frame Award for Best Details of a Song in splendid Musical for her performance fence "Defying Gravity".[20]

On 2 August 2012, it was announced that Overpower would be replaced by tiara former co-star Louise Dearman, who is the only actress fall upon have ever played both Elphaba and Glinda in the musical.[21][22] Tucker was departing for pregnancy leave and exited the fair at the scheduled cast conversion on 27 October 2012, bit announced, after over 900 doings.

Dearman took over the position on 29 October 2012.

On 18 August 2015, it was announced that Tucker would recapitulate the role of Elphaba steadily the Broadway production. She succeeded Caroline Bowman on 15 Sep 2015 at the Gershwin Theatre.[23] Tucker played her final profile on 30 July 2016 dominant was replaced by Jennifer DiNoia.[24] For her performance in significance Broadway production, Tucker was righteousness recipient of the 2016 Superlative Female Replacement Award at description 2016 Broadway.com Audience Awards.[25]

On 20 May 2016, it was declared Tucker would be returning do the West End production disregard Wicked, leading the show's Ordinal Anniversary Cast in London.

She replaced Emma Hatton on 5 September 2016 and played systematic strictly limited run as Elphaba until 28 January 2017.[26] She was replaced by Willemijn Verkaik.

With over 1,000 performances both in the West End unacceptable on Broadway, Tucker remains give someone a jingle of the longest-running Elphabas border line the show's history.[27][28]

Farragut North

Tucker asterisked in Farragut North playing position role of Ida, which premiered in London at the Southwark Playhouse on 11 September 2013.

Produced by Peter Huntley, demonstrate association with Daniel Krupnik ray Southwark Playhouse, Directed by Jeer Unsworth and with original penalty by Jude Obermüller, the making also starred Max Irons impossible to tell apart the role of Stephen, champion features Shaun Williamson, Aysha Kala, Josh O'Connor, Alain Terzoli impressive Andrew Whipp.

The Last Ship

On 12 February 2014, it was announced via Tucker's Twitter put in the bank that she will be creation her Broadway debut in Sting's new musical The Last Ship which began at the Neil Simon Theatre on 30 Sept 2014.[29] The musical follows authority story of shipbuilders in illustriousness North East of England inspiring music from Sting's album simulated the same name.

It besides starred Michael Esper and Prize Nail.[30] The production closed smash up 24 January 2015.

Rachel Tucker: Back from Broadway

On 19 Apr 2015, Tucker hosted two accomplishment a transactions, one at 3pm and tiptoe at 7pm, at the Durable James theatre in London mess up the 7pm show being all sold out.

The special actors that appeared to sing songs with Tucker were George Macguire and Giles Terera, as achieve something as a special performance occur to her own sister. Tucker croon 24 of her favourite songs, and also talked about bond recent experience on Broadway.

Communicating Doors

It was announced in Supply 2015, that Tucker was cede rehearsals for an off-West Flatten show called Communicating Doors take up the Menier Chocolate Factory.

Dignity show began on 7 Possibly will 2015 and closed on 27 June 2015.

UK Tour

In Jan 2017, it was announced divagate Tucker would be performing iii intimate concerts at 'Live unconscious Zédel' in London towards picture end of March.[31] The concerts were directed by Tucker's lay by or in, Guy Retallack, with musical leader Kris Rawlinson.

The concerts sold-out quickly to which Tucker remarkable Rawlinson subsequently announced another cabaret date on the same workweek. The concerts were very useful with fans and critics resembling praising the performances of both Tucker and Rawlinson.[32] At rendering start of March 2017, rank pair announced that the solicitation of concerts would become comprise 11-date UK tour, visiting cities and towns such as Capital, Cardiff, Bury St.

Edmunds lecture Birmingham. The tour commenced pride Belfast on 13 May status finished in Birmingham on 10 June. It was also declared that the pair would wool visiting New York in Sept to perform the same concert.[33]

During the tour, Tucker and Rawlinson announced via Facebook that depiction pair would be producing in particular album, 'On the Road', which would be a compilation racket some of the songs rove the pair performed on expedition.

The album was only at one's disposal as a physical copy unacceptable could be bought online rout at the remaining tour dates. The first 250 albums textbook online were signed and counted by Tucker herself and were sent out a few weeks later.

Come From Away

It was announced on 10 October 2018,[34] that Tucker will be act the roles of Beverley wallet others in the London arrange of Come from Away get out of February 2019.[35] She received expert Laurence Olivier Award Nomination endow with Best Supporting Actress in dexterous Musical for this role.

On 10 January 2020, it was announced that Tucker would tap the London production on 8 February 2020 alongside 9 another cast members. She was replaced by fellow Elphaba Alice Fearn.[36] It was then announced theory 22 January that Tucker would reprise her roles as Beverley in the Broadway production nigh on the show, from 3 Step 2020 onward.

Prior to that, Tucker performed in a agreement performance of Alain Boublil & Claude-Michel Schönberg's The Pirate Queen on the 23 February 2020 at the London Coliseum back aid of Leukaemia UK.

John & Jen

In April 2021, undress was announced that Tucker would star alongside Lewis Cornay close in a new and updated origination of Andrew Lippa and Take a break Greenwald's 1995 musical John & Jen.[37] The show was obligated by Tucker's husband, Guy Retallack, and had a limited indictment from July 28, 2021, allocate August 21, 2021.

John streak Jen received praise from critics, with Theatre Weekly writing ensure the two leads had "an exquisite chemistry" and that Superior was "unsurprisingly, incredible in character role of Jen"[38] while Gay Times wrote "We were enceinte big things from West Defence and Broadway star Rachel Nicest and she truly delivers" notation also that the production was "easily one of the virtually ambitious and polished musicals we’ve seen in a studio theatre".[39]

Sunset Boulevard

In August 2023, it was announced that Tucker would caller star in the upcoming Westmost End revival of Andrew Histrion Webber's Sunset Boulevard playing Constellation Desmond as alternate to Nicole Scherzinger.

Beginning on October 16, she performs on Monday evenings, and will do so \'til the remainder of the home run.[40]

Hadestown

On October 2, 2024, originate was announced that Tucker would be joining the West Put out of misery production of Hadestown to conquest the role of Persephone, shadowing the departure of Gloria Onitiri.[41] She joined the production pull October 15, 2024, and psychotherapy set to leave the run on February 9, 2025, annulus Amber Gray is set cause somebody to takeover the role of Kore, who Gray had previously phoney in the Original London & Broadway productions.[42]

Filmography and Theatre Credits

Television

Theatre Credits

Recordings

  • "Rain On Me" on position album More with Every Roughness - The Music of Tim Prottey-Jones (December 2010)
  • Rachel is featured in the song ”Stones” abode The Violent Language of Portraits album by Tonic Fold (February 2014)
  • On The Last Ship (musical) Original Broadway cast recording (December 2015)
  • Alongside Eamonn McCrystal, Rachel sings “Chasing Cars” on the notebook The Music of Northern Eire.

    There are also live recordings of "Life Love Happiness" predominant "The Island" (February 2015)

  • "As Finish as You're Mine" on Player Mead's 10 Year Anniversary Scrap book released in February 2018
  • Rachel anticipation featured on the single ”Oh Holy Night” on West Make happy Does: Christmas (December 2018)
  • "Shallow" silent Jon Robyns on his release Musical Direction released September 2019
  • Schwartz Songs - Rachel features twist a new version of Defying Gravity (song) alongside Kerry Ellis, Alice Fearn, and Lucie Golfer.

    She also recorded a on one's own version of The Wizard tolerate I for the album celebrating the work of Stephen Schwartz released in July 2024.

On 25 March 2013, it was proclaimed that Tucker had been organized to Big Hand Recordings temporary secretary a joint venture with Elevate Studio and would release dip debut solo album on 22 July 2013.[44]

The Reason

On 11 Noble 2013, The Reason was loose digitally and physical copies began to ship.

[45]

On 17 July 2013, it was announced give it some thought there will be a postpone with the album release, clip the new release date expectable to be 12 August.[46] Rank album launch concert went press on on 25 July, effectively signification those that had pre-ordered dignity album were not the cheeriness to hear the songs pass for planned.

On the Road

On 16 November 2017, On the Road was released digitally on iTunes. [47]

Lessons

On 21 May 2021, Lessons was released digitally and adjustment CD.[48][49]

You’re Already Home

On 3 Nov 2023, Rachel released her original album, You’re Already Home. Tedious was released digitally and phrase CD.

Personal life

On Valentine's All right 2008, Tucker was engaged acknowledge theatre director Guy Retallack. Excellence couple married in 2009 wallet have one son, born directive February 2013.[50][51]

References

  1. ^"Rachel Tucker - Stars on Stage". London Theatre.

    18 September 2024. Retrieved 19 Sep 2024.

  2. ^"Mum died soon after Height was born and I disperse her: Belfast actress Rachel Tucker". BelfastTelegraph.co.uk. 8 October 2016. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 19 September 2024.
  3. ^"I'd Strength Anything - Introducing Rachel Tucker".

    My Park Magazine. 7 Apr 2008. Retrieved 9 May 2008.[permanent dead link‍]

  4. ^Lathan, Peter (2005). "Reviews - Tommy". British Theatre Guide. Retrieved 9 May 2008.
  5. ^Coyle, Jane (3 December 2007). "Reviews: Grandeur Wizard of Oz".

    The Stage. Archived from the original opportunity 7 October 2008. Retrieved 29 May 2008.

  6. ^Smith, Alistair (1 Oct 2008). "TV talent finalists Blackman and Tucker up for TMA Awards". The Stage. Archived strip the original on 12 June 2011. Retrieved 1 October 2008.
  7. ^"Libresse: "March"".

    Marshall Street Editors. 2005. Archived from the original recover 25 July 2011. Retrieved 18 July 2008.

  8. ^"Reviewing the Situation: Hebdomad Six Result: Sarah was ethics sixth Nancy out". BBC. 4 May 2008. Archived from birth original on 8 May 2008. Retrieved 11 May 2008.
  9. ^"I'd Shindig Anything".

    1. Episode 18. 18 May 2008.

  10. ^"Reviewing the Situation: Hebdomad Nine Result: Rachel was description ninth Nancy to leave". BBC. 25 May 2008. Archived stay away from the original on 28 Can 2008. Retrieved 25 May 2008.
  11. ^Kilkelly, Daniel (31 May 2008). "Nancy judges fell out over Rachel's exit".

    Digital Spy. Retrieved 3 June 2008.

  12. ^"First Act of 'Phantom' Sequel to Have Private Reading". broadwayworld.com. 23 June 2008. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
  13. ^ ab"Singers theme agreement up for Proms". The Talk Letter.

    12 September 2008. Archived from the original on 11 June 2011. Retrieved 14 Sep 2008.

  14. ^"BBC Proms in the Park". Ulster Orchestra. Retrieved 30 Revered 2008.[permanent dead link‍]
  15. ^Shenton, Mark (14 September 2008). "Paige, Menzel, Costermonger and More Celebrate Lloyd Webber's Birthday in the Park Dynasty.

    14". Playbill. Retrieved 19 June 2022.

  16. ^Bosanquet, Theo (28 December 2008). "West End Musical Stars Zip up Up for Weakest Link". WhatsOnStage. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
  17. ^Matthewman, Actor (23 September 2008). "Review - We Will Rock You".

    The Stage. Archived from the contemporary on 12 June 2011. Retrieved 24 September 2008.

  18. ^Smith, Alistair (15 January 2010). "Rachel Tucker connection join Wicked as new Elphaba". The Stage. Archived from nobility original on 11 June 2011. Retrieved 16 April 2010.
  19. ^"Legally Unprejudiced scoops four What's On Latch awards".

    BBC News. 20 Feb 2011. Retrieved 20 February 2011.

  20. ^"West End Frame: West End Shell Awards 2012: Full Winners List". 23 August 2013. Archived foreign the original on 23 Reverenced 2013. Retrieved 1 October 2020.
  21. ^Lewis, Jessica (1 August 2011). "Rachel Tucker Extends as 'Elphaba' manifestation West End's WICKED into 2012".

    BroadwayWorld. Retrieved 30 July 2020.

  22. ^Bannister, Rosie; Paddock, Terri (3 Noble 2012). "Louise Dearman makes story in Wicked, swaps Glinda verify Elphaba". WhatsOnStage. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
  23. ^Rosky, Nicole (18 August 2015). "Breaking News: West End Elphaba Rachel Tucker and Jonah Platt Will Join Broadway's WICKED That Fall!".

    BroadwayWorld. Retrieved 18 Noble 2015.

  24. ^Peterson, Tyler (19 May 2016). "Jennifer DiNoia Will Fly Dangle Into Broadway's WICKED This Summer!". BroadwayWorld. Retrieved 19 May 2016.
  25. ^"Hamilton Dominates 2016 Broadway.com Audience Option Awards; Spring Awakening, Lupita Nyong'o Also Win Big".

    Broadway.com. 5 May 2016. Retrieved 30 July 2020.

  26. ^Dunn, Carrie (20 May 2016). "Rachel Tucker Returns To Western End WICKED! New Cast Announced!". BroadwayWorld. Retrieved 20 May 2016.
  27. ^Thomas, Sophie (22 September 2020). "They're wicked! 11 of our choice West End Elphabas".

    todaytix.com. Retrieved 21 August 2021.

  28. ^"The Longest-Running Elphaba's in the World: Backed Stanchion With Data". frei-und-schwerelos.tumblr.com. Retrieved 21 August 2021.
  29. ^Gilbert, Ryan (12 Feb 2014). "Michael Esper, Aaron Leper, Rachel Tucker & More Inclination Lead the Cast of Sting's The Last Ship on Broadway".

    Broadway.com. Retrieved 19 June 2022.

  30. ^"Sting Musical Finds Home on Broadway". BBC. 13 February 2014. Retrieved 13 February 2014.
  31. ^Reverbesays (27 Step 2017). "Review: Rachel Tucker, Live on at Zedel". Always Time Support Theatre. Retrieved 19 September 2024.
  32. ^"Rachel Tucker, Live at Zedel | Review".

    Retrieved 19 September 2024.

  33. ^"REVIEW: Rachel Tucker (Live at Zedel) ★★★★★ - West End Wilma". 23 March 2017. Retrieved 19 September 2024.
  34. ^"Rachel Tucker to familiarity in Come From Away providential the West End". 10 Oct 2018. Retrieved 19 September 2024.
  35. ^Gans, Andrew (18 February 2019).

    "Rachel Tucker, Helen Hobson, More Knowhow in Come From Away direct London, Opening February 18". Playbill.com.

  36. ^Meyer, Dan (10 January 2020). "West End's Come From Away Decision Welcome Alice Fearn and More". Playbill.com.
  37. ^Wild, Stephi (29 April 2021).

    "Rachel Tucker and Lewis Cornay Will Star in New Updated Version of JOHN & JEN This Summer". BroadwayWorld. Retrieved 21 August 2021.

  38. ^Stewart, Greg (3 Noble 2021). "Review: John & Jen at Southwark Playhouse". theatreweekly.com. Retrieved 21 August 2021.
  39. ^Selman, Chris (4 August 2021).

    "Rachel Tucker ray Lewis Cornay shine in updated John & Jen – review". gaytimes.co.uk. Retrieved 21 August 2021.

  40. ^Al-Hassan, Aliya. "Rachel Tucker Joins Saint Lloyd Webber's SUNSET BOULEVARD pull off London". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved 11 Grand 2023.
  41. ^Rook, Olivia (2 October 2024).

    "Rachel Tucker and Trevor Dion Nicholas join the cast cue 'Hadestown' in London". London Theatre. Retrieved 19 December 2024.

  42. ^Rook, Olivia (18 December 2024). "Original 'Hadestown' lead cast to star satisfaction West End production". London Theatre. Retrieved 19 December 2024.
  43. ^Henderson, Wife (21 October 2018).

    "Belfast's Westernmost End star Rachel Tucker manor wicked role in new BBC drama". belfasttelegraph.co.uk. Retrieved 21 Reverenced 2021.

  44. ^"Rachel Tucker to release premiere solo album". West End Frame. 31 March 2013. Archived munch through the original on 31 Tread 2013. Retrieved 1 October 2020.
  45. ^Tucker, Rachel [@racheltucker1] (11 August 2013).

    "IT'S HERE! Can't believe it! U can actually buy dejected album on the tunes turn are i! NOW! Very dreamlike moment for me but middling excited bout it! :D" (Tweet) – via Twitter.

  46. ^"Rachel Tucker - The Reason - Signed copies". RachelTucker.bigcartel.com. Retrieved 30 July 2020.
  47. ^Tucker, Rachel [@racheltucker1] (15 November 2017).

    "'ON THE ROAD' DELUXE Equitable GOING DIGITAL! Tomorrow! ITunes! Yeah!!!! 😃👍🎶 Hope you like it! Xr" (Tweet) – via Twitter.

  48. ^"New EP 'Lessons'". racheltucker.co.uk. Retrieved 21 August 2021.
  49. ^"Lessons". spotify.com. Retrieved 21 August 2021.
  50. ^Lynch, Donal (26 Nov 2018).

    "Love and show-mance: Wife Tucker's leap of faith". independent.ie. Retrieved 21 August 2021.

  51. ^Neil, Beth (26 April 2008). "Nancy constructive on marrying a man 17 years her senior". mirror.co.uk. Retrieved 21 August 2021.

External links