Rachel John on Bringing Back Live Theatre | Songs For a New World | Interview

After the success of the online streamed version of Jason Robert Brown's Songs For a New World, Lambert Jackson have brought the musical back as one of the first live, in person performances in the West End. Theatrical powerhouse Rachel John will be starring in the show and is extremely excited to get back to performing...

You’re going to be starring in Songs For A New World, can you tell us a bit about how it all came about and your journey with the show so far?

I was approached by Lambert Jackson with the exciting idea of being a part of a virtual production of the show. It was unlike anything I had done before, so I was excited to see the way that this format would translate through the screen and into people’s homes. After the show was streamed, we received the exciting news that we would be performing at the Palladium. I felt so blessed.

2020 has been crazy to put it mildly, has all the theatrical innovation in a time when the arts can’t run normally made you love what you do even more?

The innovation that has occurred during lockdown has been very inspiring and has shown me the strength and creativity of our theatre industry. I have had a renewed sense of my love of story-telling and have been reminded how we refused to stop sharing our gifts.

What’s one thing you’ve taken away from lockdown?

There are many things that I have taken away from lockdown, but if I had to pick one it would be valuing family time. I have had more time to speak to my family abroad and here and it has been a blessing.

Going back to live performances must be super exciting, what are you most looking forward to?

I am looking forward to working with a company again and I am really looking forward to hearing and seeing the live audiences. I miss the tangible feeling of the audience. The electricity.

When theatres are fully running in the (hopefully) near future, what show would you like to see first?

I cannot pick what I would like to see first! I am just eager to get back to support my fellow performers and soak up the atmosphere.

What can audiences expect from Songs For a New World?

Audiences can expect to come on a journey with us through this incredible song cycle. Jason Robert Brown’s lyrics and melodies will touch their hearts.

How do you want people to feel after experiencing Songs For a New World?

I would like people to experience the joy of being back together, even if there is distance. I would like them to feel hopeful and optimistic.

Songs for a New World plays at the London Palladium 11th October 2020