Rachel John

“This is a great opportunity, and I’m really happy, and excited; I just have to go out there and seize it with both hands.” A West End star, nominated for an Olivier, and one who, only recently, released her debut album, is now preparing herself to tour the UK with non-other than, the iconic, Dionne Warwick. Rachel John has led an interesting life already, tripping the boards of the famous, West End, appearing in musicals such as The Lion King and Sister Act, The Bodyguard, and the recent smash hot, Hamilton. That early part, in The Lion King, Rachel would, among other parts, be the Shaman of the Pride Lands, that wise old mandrill, Rafiki, but, as they so wonderfully say in that stunning showpiece – Hakuna Matata. Indeed, for Rachel, the Londonborn star of both stage, and church – that of the New Testament Assembly Church can vouch for that – her worries therefore, career-wise at least, have been just about her nightly performances on stage, and the ever-critical, audience. Of those theatre productions, two of them, The Bodyguard, and Hamilton, would see Rachel, in the former, appear alongside Beverley Knight (Nikki and Rachel Marron respectively), whilst in Hamilton, she would take on the role of the American socialite, Angelica Schuyler. But, as with life itself, every story has a beginning to it, so, with that in mind, what about Rachel John? “Basically, I had a little interest in musical theatre when I was younger, then I went and finishes a degree, before auditioning for The Lion King, so, I started theatre with a small show for Disney,” began the West End star. “(Fast forward) with Hamilton, that was actually the first time I could be nominated for anything, and I was, and it was a brilliant feeling.

“The show itself, it was amazing, and we had some really great performers involved with it. “As for the night of the Olivier’s, we even performed then, and it was so surreal, and it’s really nice to have that kind of recognition from your peers.” Anyone whose anyone can talk about one particular stage in their life, their career, all night long, and Rachel is no different in that respect. Enthusiastically happy about what she has accomplished on the theatrical stage, but, over the last few years, maybe the invasion of a pandemic has brought some good forth in life, time will tell, but, over the past few years, and with not being able to do much musical theatre, Rachel turned back to her other love..... Music, particularly that of gospel music. Literally, this past April, Rachel’s hard work in the studio, well the church to be more precise, has seen her release her debut album - and she’s already ready for the follow-up as well; recorded at the aforementioned church (some acoustic levels there, that’s for sure), the gospel renditions of Rachel John, entitled ‘From My Lips to God’s Ear,’ is now, well and truly, in the public sphere. “Over what was those two years in the pandemic, all I’ve waited for, and wanted to do (musically), everything, and everyone, was suddenly available, including the church,” beamed Rachel. “It really is an amazing thing to fill a space like that, with beautiful music, and I went in there and did it in one take, one, day, live. “I feel it is better that way, you can hear those imperfections seep through, and to me, that’s beautiful in itself. “They are the best place for authenticity, truth, and, even with people like my mother, and gran, they also still sing the songs I have done (on the album). “I was just open, honest, and rather creative with it all; but you also have to have, in your mind, as to what is next, and the hymns, they are quintessential. “Overall though, it (the album) has been received rather well, and by a mixture of an audience, to which it’s been lovely receiving messages of support, thanks, and memories.” As for what is coming up for Rachel, in the immediate aftermath of said, debut album release, she’s well, kind of not dropped from cloud nine fully, only recently finding out and announcing the news that she will be supporting the legendary Dionne Warwick on her ‘She’s Back: One Last Time’ UK tour. Having begun at the end of May, in Southend-on-Sea, with the 22-

date tour set to enjoy two nights at the London Palladium, drop off at the O2 City Hall, Newcastle, on 14 June, take in a couple of dates in Scotland, the Ireland’s, and Wales, before finishing, on 1 July, in Scunthorpe. It’s going to be a rather busy spell indeed, but, as they say in The Lion King, Hakuna Matata (sorry, we had to do it again). “I’ve not really had any time to digest the news,” giggled Rachel. “It’s good though, special, and really exciting, all at the same time. “I feel really spoilt because of it as well, and I am prepared, so it doesn’t bother me. “After all, performing live, it’s in my blood, my body, so I’m more than ready to do it. “I’m really, really ready for this,” a somewhat excitable Rachel continued to buzz, “To have a live audience, I’m as ready as they are, and it’s an amazing time to be a part of it all.” But, what you can expect from Rachel John’s musical repertoire? “You can expect music from all the years I’ve been doing music,” Rachel concluded. “I’ve got your soul, your gospel, maybe a little jazz, and R&B, and a few originals; and that’s great as myself, and Dionne, we’re pretty much in the same pocket, musically.”

Tickets for Dionne Warwick, with guest Rachel John, at the O2 City Hall, Newcastle, on 14 June, can be purchased via https:// www.academymusicgroup.com/ o2cityhallnewcastle/events/music/2022-06 and you can keep up-to-date with all the happenings with Rachel John via her Twitter https://twitter.com/1RachelJohn Instagram https://www.instagram. com/1racheljohn/ and website http://rachel-john.com/

Hi Colin, welcome to NE, can

David here from Beyond. So I’ve just found out that my Charity Single (in aid of the Batten Disease Family Association) which is A double A-side “Stay The Same” & “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town” With Santa Ste has been announced as one of 11 official contenders in the race to the Christmas No1 in the top 100 Official UK Charts this year along side Ed Sheeran & Elton John, Adele, Abba and Gary Barlow! The Single is out now digitally and on limited edition CD this week. The more steams, downloads and CD’s purchased the better! Getting into the top 40 will be hard enough never mind number 1! It would be amazing if we could get the single into the main charts this year and raise awareness of Batten Disease which is a terminal illness in very young children. If I could ask you all a massive favour and if you wouldn’t mind over the next few weeks streaming, downloading and buying a copy of the CD so we can get this into the charts. Its a bit of fun but for a serious cause and why shouldn’t the Christmas Charts have something different for a change? Could you imagine a Geordie Record store owner getting a Christmas No1!!! Totally overwhelmed with the support from everyone so far and from the Official UK Charts. All profits will go to the charity... CD available from: www.beyondvinyl.co.uk or www. beyondrecords.uk/ Click HERE to Stream

Also i’m excited to announce the Now or Whenever in-store run for release week in January: Fred, Jed, a guitar, keyboard, albums, signatures, selfies, questions, answers, hopes, regrets. And an exclusive splatter vinyl if that’s your thing.

Pre order now to get a free ticket to Spector’s performance at Beyond Vinyl on 10th January 2022: https://beyondvinyl. co.uk/product/spector-now-orwhenever/