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 how they got their start in the industry to their favourite shows, we want to know everything.
This time we’re chatting to Rachel Barnes who will be playing Heidi in Manic Street Creature. This soaring piece of gig theatre from Olivier Award winner Maimuna Memon brings a raw and powerful insight into first love, co-dependence and mental health care – but most of all, how music can help us start again.
1. My route into theatre was…
Being encouraged to audition for National Youth Theatre age 14 by my school drama teacher at school, then I was hooked.
2. My West End idol is..
Gabrielle Brooks. She’s the most grounded and lovely person and her talent is wild. I could watch her perform all day every day.
3. My colleagues would describe me as…
Zen
4. My favourite show (that isn’t one I star in/work on) is…
I saw Ballad Lines recently and loved it, such a gorgeous soundtrack.
5. The career moment I’m most proud of is…
Going on to cover Nell in Coven previews.
6. The hardest part about my job/role is…
Not letting it define my whole sense of self.
7. If I wasn’t an actor, I would be…
A musician (is that cheating?)
8. Something people don’t know about me is…
I also work as a Massage Therapist.
9. The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is…
Don’t take note of criticism from people you wouldn’t go to for advice.
10. The one thing I wish I could tell my younger self is…
More breathing, less perfectionism.
Get your tickets to see Rachel in Manic Street Creature today!
