Rachel John (born 1980) is a British actress, best known for her work in

musical theatre Musical theatre is a form of theatrical performance that combines songs, spoken dialogue, acting and dance. The story and emotional content of a musical – humor, pathos, love, anger – are communicated through words, music, movemen ...

, notably for originating the role of Angelica Schuyler in ''

Hamilton Hamilton may refer to: People * Hamilton (name), a common British surname and occasional given name, usually of Scottish origin, including a list of persons with the surname ** The Duke of Hamilton, the premier peer of Scotland ** Lord Hamilt ...

'' in the West End.

Personal life and education

John was born in Hackney, East London, in 1980 and grew up in

Walthamstow Walthamstow ( or ) is a large town in East London, east London, England, within the Ceremonial counties of England, ceremonial county of Greater London and the Historic counties of England, ancient county of Essex. Situated northeast of Chari ...

. She is a graduate of the

University of Roehampton The University of Roehampton, London, formerly Roehampton Institute of Higher Education, is a public university in the United Kingdom, situated on three major sites in Roehampton, in the London Borough of Wandsworth. Roehampton was formerly an e ...

Career

Musical theatre

John made her West End debut in 2005 in ''

The Lion King ''The Lion King'' is a 1994 American animated musical drama film produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation and released by Walt Disney Pictures. The 32nd Disney animated feature film and the fifth produced during the Disney Renaissance, it ...

'' as a swing and understudy for Shenzi. In 2014 she joined the cast of ''

Memphis Memphis most commonly refers to: * Memphis, Egypt, a former capital of ancient Egypt * Memphis, Tennessee, a major American city Memphis may also refer to: Places United States * Memphis, Alabama * Memphis, Florida * Memphis, Indiana * Memp ...

'' as the

alternate Alternative or alternate may refer to: Arts, entertainment and media * Alternative (''Kamen Rider''), a character in the Japanese TV series ''Kamen Rider Ryuki'' * ''The Alternative'' (film), a 1978 Australian television film * ''The Alternative ...

Felicia. She took over the role full-time for a whole two weeks of the run. In 2016, she played the role of Nicki Marron in '' The Bodyguard'' during its limited return West End engagement, alongside

Beverley Knight Beverley Knight (born Beverley Anne Smith, 22 March 1973) is an English recording artist and musical theatre actress. She released her first album, ''The B-Funk'', in 1995. Heavily influenced by American soul music icons such as Sam Cooke and ...

as Rachel Marron. John also played the role of Rachel Marron at certain performances, despite not being listed as an official understudy. She then moved with the production to the

Ed Mirvish Theatre The Ed Mirvish Theatre, also currently known by naming rights sponsorship as CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre, is a historic film and play theatre in the downtown core of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It was initially known as the Pantages Theatre, then becam ...

, Toronto for a limited season. From November 2017 until she left in December 2018, she played

Angelica Schuyler Angelica Church (née Schuyler ; February 20, 1756 – March 6, 1814) was an American socialite. She was the eldest daughter of Continental Army General Philip Schuyler, and a sister of Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton and sister-in-law of Alexand ...

in the West End production of ''

,'' role which she originated in the UK. For this role she was nominated for an

Olivier Award The Laurence Olivier Awards, or simply the Olivier Awards, are presented annually by the Society of London Theatre to recognise excellence in professional theatre in London at an annual ceremony in the capital. The awards were originally known as ...

and a Black British Theatre Award. John then joined the cast of ''

Girl From the North Country "Girl from the North Country" (occasionally known as "Girl ''of'' the North Country") is a song written by Bob Dylan. It was recorded at Columbia Recording Studios in New York City in April 1963, and released the following month as the second tra ...

'' in 2019, when the show moved to the

Gielgud Theatre The Gielgud Theatre is a West End theatre, located on Shaftesbury Avenue, at the corner of Rupert Street, in the City of Westminster, London. The house currently has 986 seats on three levels. The theatre was designed by W. G. R. Sprague an ...

for a limited 8-week run. 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 Ramin Karimloo ( fa, رامین کریملو; ; born September 19, 1978) is a Canadian actor, singer and composer recognized for his work in London's West End and Broadway theatre. He has played the leading male roles in both of the West End's ...

. In May 2022 it was announced that John will be the opening act for the UK Tour dates of Dionne Warwick.

Theatre credits

Awards and nominations

Personal life

John is a Christian. Having grown up in the church, she made the decision to be baptised at the age of 16.

References

External links

Rachel John's website
{{DEFAULTSORT:John, Rachel 1980 births Living people Alumni of the University of Roehampton Black British actresses English stage actresses English musical theatre actresses English Christians People from the London Borough of Hackney People from Walthamstow