Rachel John stars in The Big Life, a musical that revisits the stories of the Windrush generation in 1950s London.
Reflecting on the journey from being an audience member 20 years ago to now portraying Zulieka, Rachel discusses the importance of the play’s revival, its message of love and resilience, and the personal significance of participating in a narrative that mirrors the cultural heritage and struggles of Caribbean immigrants …
Please introduce yourself …`
My name is Rachel John and I am an Actress.
Describe your life right now in a word or a sentence …
My life is blessed.
You discovered you could sing and act when?
I grew up singing at church, from a very early age and I took part in Sunday School plays and this is when I realised that I could sing and act.
Telling your nearest and dearest that you were going to be a performer was like?
Very easy as they always knew that I could sing. They encouraged me to pursue this and have been to see every show I have been in.
Growing up in Walthamstow and wanting a career in the arts … was your environment an inspiration or a hindrance and how did you utilise it either way?
The environment was an inspiration because I was so active in church that it built up my skills. Free access to music, drama and instruments at church meant that I could grow.
The first production that challenged your decision to be a performer?
The Lion King was my first West End job. I was a swing and cover Shenzi, and it was a challenge. There were days when I felt overwhelmed, but I had a supportive cast and I kept going. I was glad that it was hard because once I settled in it was joyous.
The first production that solidified that you were on the right career path?
The Lion King at The Lyceum confirmed that I loved doing this and wanted to pursue this career.
What is The Big Life about from your perspective?
The show looks at the lives of Caribbean men and women who travel to the UK when they are invited by the British Government, to help rebuild the country. They arrive with optimism and anticipation for the lives they can create. The men meet on the boat and decide to make a pact to focus on their dreams and avoid all vices for 3 years in order to succeed. However, when they encounter 4 women, it challenges their strength to keep the pact. The action is overseen and commented on by the wonderful actress and writer Tameka Empson and the audience is included in the commentary. This show is about getting a perspective of the Windrush generation and all that they encountered. This show means so much to me because my Mum came here in the 70s and served the NHS for just under 40 years. I want to honour her and all those West Indians who helped to build this country.
And … Zuleika your character – what are her hopes, dreams, goals and position in this musical?
Zulieka Mildred Edwards had huge dreams when she first arrived in the UK, but she is divorced, struggling to run her B&B and she longs to return to Trinidad to see her sick father but she cannot afford it. She dreams of being reunited with her father, being free of this financial burden and enjoying life. She is not looking for love, but she is very happy to find ‘sisters’ with her lodgers.
How did you get to know Zulieka and understand how to portray her?
She is based on my Grandma, Mum and Aunts. I gave her the middle name ‘Mildred’ after my Grandma who passed away last July and ‘Edwards’ is the surname of my Great Grandma. I know so many women who have shaped my portrayal of Zulieka. I am familiar with her faith, fortitude and resilience. As soon as I read the script, I knew her and could not wait to embody her.
You’ve worked on so many significant productions what’s special/different about The Big Life …?
This is the first time in my almost 20-year career that I have been Trinidadian and have been able to honour and display my heritage and culture. Being able to tap into our heritage is what makes it one of the most special productions I have been part of and a genuine honour.
Speaking of your impressive back career – Hamilton, We Will Rock You, Sister Act, Memphis, The Bodyguard and The Girl from The North Country – are you satisfied with your career trajectory – I can’t imagine it’s been easy … but …
I am so satisfied and blessed. It may sound like a cliché, but I believe that every job has helped me grow, develop and meet amazing people. There are lots of things that I still want to do, but when I look back I still pinch myself. I am looking forward to the projects that await me.
Highs, lows, solutions …
Like every other production I have done, you wish for a little more time, but I think this is about pre-show nerves and anticipation. I really wanted the accent to be rich and authentic, so I had to get over this obstacle by trusting that it would flow and I would not let my family or Trinidad down.
Without spoilers what’s a scene you’re most proud of?
Although it is extremely small, I love when all eight of us are on stage together. These actors are my family and when we are all together there is bound to be a lot of laughs.
GETTING TO KNOW YOU
If not this, then what?
A teacher. Voice studies and Vocal tutoring.
What’s made you Sad, Mad, Glad this week?
I am glad that I can spend time with my family.
What are you watching right now?
I am watching The Chosen on Netflix. It is incredible.
What are you reading right now?
I am reading Windrush Child by Benjamin Zephaniah
What are you listening to right now?
I am listening to a lot of Calypso and Soca at the moment like, Lord Kitchener, The Mighty Sparrow, Scrunter and Baron.
The last thing you saw on stage?
The Little Big Things.
What’s on your bucket list?
See the Northern Lights.
Where’s your happy place?
Church – specifically singing with a congregation.
Celebrate someone else …
My whole cast – I need to celebrate them.
Celebrate yourself …
I am very happy about a voice-over job that has been released on Netflix. It is called Dee & Friends and I voice the character of Miss Emerald. Also, I made my screen debut last year appearing in The Marvels with a small singing role. I am very grateful.
Whose footsteps are you following in?
My Mum – she is amazing
What’s Next?
A holiday!
Where can we find you?
I am on all socials as @1RachelJohn (Instagram, X, Facebook, YouTube).
Where can we see find your latest work?
You can hear my debut album From My Lips To God’s Ear on Spotify and iTunes
The Big Life: The Ska Musical runs until Saturday 30th March @ Theatre Royal Stratford East