In our profile series Tell Us In Ten, we ask cast members and creatives of top London shows to tell us all about themselves in just 10 questions. From the best part of their jobs to the hardest, we want to know it all!
This week we hear from Rachel Clare Chan, who plays Tsubaki Sawabe in Your Lie In April, now playing at the Harold Pinter Theatre.
1. My route into theatre was…
I fell in love with musical theatre as a teenager, it was really all I wanted to do with my life. I decided to go for an open call for Cameron Mackintosh’s production of Miss Saigon when I was 17. I ended up booking that job and the run in Vienna became my professional debut! From there I pursued a Master’s Degree in musical theatre performance at the Royal Academy of Music which is what moved me over to London.
2. My West End idol is…
She’ll kill me for saying this but my West End idol is Frances Mayli McCann. I had always admired her so much while training, but then had the chance to work with her on my first job in London (Death Note). I am forever inspired and in awe of her – not only as an artist, but the way that she treats those around her, and her incredible professionalism and work ethic. She’s a powerhouse, a trailblazer, and truly deserving of all her success. She leads a company with such grace and humility, and it’s a beautiful thing to experience and learn from.
3. My colleagues would describe me as…
Passionate? Silly? Unable to resist a big loud belly laugh.
4. My favourite show (that isn’t one I star in/work on) is…
Come From Away. Just stunning. Saw the original Broadway cast and it changed my life.
The cast of Come From Away, photo by Matt Crockett.
5. The career moment I’m most proud of is…
There was a young company member of ESEA descent on the production of Oliver! I did at Leeds Playhouse – he said he was grateful to have had someone who looked like him in the same cast. A truly gratifying moment realising that ESEA representation really does impact our next generation.
6. The hardest part about my job is…
Keeping yourself grounded and finding the grit to keep going. This industry can be really tough sometimes. You’re juggling lots of people’s expectations, high pressure situations, and always having to show up. I have to remind myself that I don’t have to be everyone’s cup of tea.
7. If I wasn’t an actor, I would be…
An agent. There’s still time for that in the future I think…!
8. Something people don’t know about me is…
My first name is actually Frances. Everyone in my life has always called me Rachel from the get go, but I was named Frances because I have five older siblings and we have ended up having names that start with ABCDEF.
9. The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is…
“If you can’t beat the fear, do it scared.”
10. The one thing I wish I could tell my younger self is…
It’s brave to go on a rollercoaster, it’s just as brave to say you don’t want to. I’m proud of you for always being brave through everything and everywhere life has taken you. It’ll all work out in the end, even if it feels uncertain right now. You will make friends with that uncertainty one day. Also please keep practicing piano because it’ll be very helpful in 10 years!
Based on one of the biggest manga sensations, Your Lie In April runs for a limited season until 21 September. Book your tickets on the Official London Theatre website.