Rachel Tucker
Rachel Tucker
Rachel Kelly Tuckeris a Northern Irish singer and actress who competed as one of the finalists in the BBC talent show-themed television series I'd Do Anything in 2008. She is perhaps best known for playing Elphaba in the hit musical Wicked in the West End, where she played the role longer than any other actress in the production's history, and on Broadway...
NationalityIrish
ProfessionStage Actress
Date of Birth29 May 1981
CountryIreland
dame grand pantomime seats
We used to have front-row seats for the Grand Opera House pantomime every year, and once the dame May McFettridge got me up on-stage.
background believe head information knew life lost months role running stuck study wicked witch
When I was in the running for the role of Elphaba, I knew it was important to research and study as much background information as I could, so I got my head stuck into 'Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West' by Gregory Maguire, and I believe I lost many days, weeks, and months reading it - I was captivated!
people shouting sites unbearable
We lived in Manhattan, which was unbearable sometimes because it was so noisy. There were sirens blaring, construction sites going, people shouting and swearing at each other.
academy favorite royal saw
'We Will Rock You' is one of my favorite shows. I first saw it when I was a student at the Royal Academy and loved it.
dad
When my dad, Tommy Tucker Kelly, was about six, he started out with his dad on 'The Black and White Minstrel' Shows.
belfast believe clubs coming crowd dad pubs shirley tina took turner
I started singing in pubs and clubs around Belfast when I was 10. My dad is a musician, and he took me 'round; I impersonated Tina Turner and Shirley Bassey, and the crowd couldn't believe what was coming out of this little girl.
certain hear lived news opposite shot sing soldiers somebody talk
All you would hear every night on the news was that somebody had been shot dead in a certain part of Belfast. We lived opposite a judge, and there were always soldiers crouched down in our garden. We'd sit and talk to them, and I even used to sing to them!
catholic folks home matter ministers relief side
It's such a relief to see Catholic and Protestant ministers getting on - that's so rare. And in 'I'd Do Anything,' I've had so much support from folks back home, no matter what side they're on.
Sting is a father figure to us all.
compulsory quite surprising
I like surprising my audiences, and it's compulsory to have fun and be silly; I never take myself quite too seriously.
I pride myself on not being run of the mill. I don't want to be your umpteenth Fantine in 'Les Miz.'
acting asked books enjoy exams front loud time
I read books for exams at school, but only because I had to read them, and really didn't enjoy it one little bit! The only time I did enjoy it was when I was asked to read out loud in front of the class, as I then used it as an acting exercise!