I grew up in a middle-ish class family that taught me to dream big, work hard, and stay humble! My dad is the one who introduced me to music and musical theatre. Growing up, he drove me to and from rehearsals, and waited for hours when they ran late. My dad was (and still is) my number one fan. Even when I was in LASALLE, he would drive or fly down from KL to watch my shows. My mom was understandably very worried about my choice of career, but she eventually came round, and I couldn’t have come this far without her either.
My friends describe me as quirky. I’ve been told my life is like a sitcom – I constantly find myself in incredible situations. I am the girl who almost accidentally takes other people’s Christmas shopping in IKEA, sets fire to her own eyebrow, and drops an encyclopedia on her broken toe.
A lot of people don’t know that family is one of the most important things to me. I’m blessed with a big supportive family. Moving to Singapore was so much easier because of the kindness and generosity of my extended family here, who accepted me into their lives, hearts, and family dinners.
One thing on my bucket list is to act, write, or direct a show that reaches audiences worldwide. I don’t know what it will be about yet, but I would love to direct either a play or a film that leaves a lasting positive impact on the people it reaches.
Singing in harmony with her castmates for the A $ingapore Carol cast recording!
The first time I set foot on stage, I recall waiting in the wings, watching the audience. I remember the butterflies I had in my belly, and thinking to myself how lucky I was to get to do what I love: tell stories.
The show that changed my life is Lara Croft: Tomb Raider. I remember sitting in the cinema at four years old and realising that the Lara Croft on screen wasn’t real – it was a role played by an actor who wasn’t even British. Everything about the movie was make-believe, but people around me were feeling real emotions and crying, because they recognised something in what they saw that was true. This movie is the reason I became an actor. I wanted to make people feel.
Performing live is fulfilling. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of being in front of an audience that’s watching your every gesture and listening to every word. I find such joy in creating moments that resonate with people. With a live audience, the connection is immediate and, best of all, mutual.
Theatre is food for the soul. I’m never happier than when I’m in rehearsals for a show. To me, the preparation is just as fun and meaningful as the actual performance. I learn so much about myself and human nature, and I cherish all the friendships I make and mentors I meet along the way.
I can’t wait to perform in A $ingapore Carol because it’s a WILD RICE show and I get to work with such a fantastically talented cast, creative and production team! I am so grateful to my director, Hossan Leong, and honoured to be asked to come on board. I am a fan of local work, and works that re-connect people to their heritage. A $ingapore Carol is very Singapore, and very relevant. We’re so absorbed with what’s on our screens that we often forget to practise kindness. There is so much fun and laughter in rehearsals, and we all genuinely enjoy one another’s company every day. I hope that energy comes through and people leave the show with that same positive spirit!
Catch Rachel in action in A $ingapore Carol, which runs at the Victoria Theatre from 23 November to 15 December 2018! Find out more here!
