Rachel John (born 12 October 1980) is a British actress, best known for her work in musical theatre, notably for originating the role of Angelica Schuyler in Hamilton in the West End.
Rachel John | |
|---|---|
| Born | 12 October 1980 Hackney, East London |
| Alma mater | University of Roehampton |
| Occupation(s) | Actress, singer |
| Website | http://www.rachel-john.com |
Personal life and education
John was born in Hackney, East London, in 1980 and grew up in Walthamstow.[1]
She is a graduate of the University of Roehampton.
Career
Musical theatre
John made her West End debut in 2005 in The Lion King as a swing and understudy for Shenzi.[2][3]
In 2014 she joined the cast of Memphis as the alternate Felicia.[4] She took over the role full-time for a whole two weeks of the run.[5]
In 2016, she played the role of Nicki Marron in The Bodyguard during its limited return West End engagement, alongside Beverley Knight as Rachel Marron. John also played the role of Rachel Marron at certain performances, despite not being listed as an official understudy.[6] She then moved with the production to the Ed Mirvish Theatre, Toronto for a limited season.[7]
From November 2017 until she left[8] in December 2018, she played Angelica Schuyler in the West End production of Hamilton, role which she originated in the UK.[9][citation needed] For this role she was nominated for an Olivier Award and a Black British Theatre Award.
John then joined the cast of Girl From the North Country in 2019, when the show moved to the Gielgud Theatre for a limited 8-week run.[10] She played the character of Mrs Nielsen in the show.
Music
In March 2022 John released a gospel album titled "From My Lips to God's Ear". The album was produced by Mercy Productions, owned by Ramin Karimloo.[11]
In May 2022 it was announced that John will be the opening act for the UK Tour dates of Dionne Warwick.[12]
Theatre credits
| Year | Title | Role | Theatre |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | The Lion King | Swing and understudy Shenzi | Lyceum Theatre |
| 2010 | Sister Act | Ensemble | London Palladium |
| 2010-2012 | We Will Rock You | Meat | Dominion Theatre |
| 2014-2015 | Memphis | Felicia (alternate) | Shaftesbury Theatre |
| 2016 | The Bodyguard | Nicki Marron | Dominion Theatre and Ed Mirvish Theatre (Toronto) |
| 2017-2018 | Hamilton | Angelica Schuyler | Victoria Palace |
| 2019-2020 | Girl from the North Country | Mrs Nielsen | Gielgud Theatre |
| 2023 | The Secret Life of Bees | August | Almeida Theatre |
Awards and nominations
| Year | Work | Award | Category | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Hamilton | Olivier Awards | Best Actress in a Supporting Role in a Musical | Nominated |
| 2019 | Black British Theatre Awards | Best Female Actor in a Musical | Nominated |
Personal life
John is a Christian. Having grown up in the church, she made the decision to be baptised at the age of 16.[13]