Belfast singer's Wicked award
- Published
She may have lost out on the chance to play Nancy on the West End stage - but that has not stopped Rachel Tucker from joining the ranks of theatre greats like Sir Ian McKellan.
The Belfast singer won a top accolade at a star-studded ceremony in London on Sunday night for her acclaimed performance as Elphaba in musical Wicked.
It means Rachel, who who came to prominence on the BBC's I'll Do Anything, now joins an illustrious list of actors who have picked up a Whatsonstage.com award.
"I was a bit star struck last night. It is a great event and a great award," she said.
"To be nominated was a big surprise and to be recognised for something you get a lot of pleasure doing every night, is a bonus."
'Brusied'
Rachel was named Best Takeover In A Role at the ceremony, for her turn as the green witch in Wicked.
And the actress had further cause for celebration when the smash hit musical picked up the Best West End Show gong for the second year running.
"I am bruised with the pitching I am doing," she said.
"To play this part is a dream role of mine, since I heard the soundtrack. My dream was always to get to the West End and I never thought it would be a part like this.
"I started last March and they have extended my contract, which is very nice of them. We all want to stay. So far, I will be there until December."
Wicked, which tells the story of the Witches of Oz, has played over 1,800 performances and grossed over £125m at the UK box office since its West End premiere in 2006.