Rachel Tucker

I started singing in pubs and clubs around Belfast when I was 10. My dad is a musician, and he took me 'round; I impersonated Tina Turner and Shirley Bassey, and the crowd couldn't believe what was coming out of this little girl.

If I thought about it before I went on, I would have never went on. So, therefore, you don't think about it; you have to talk yourself then into, 'Listen, this is it. This is the gig. Broadway or no Broadway, you've got to do your job.'

It's such a relief to see Catholic and Protestant ministers getting on - that's so rare. And in 'I'd Do Anything,' I've had so much support from folks back home, no matter what side they're on.

I like surprising my audiences, and it's compulsory to have fun and be silly; I never take myself quite too seriously.

I'd been brought up on musicals. Instead of cartoons, we watched videocassettes of musicals at home.

I pride myself on not being run of the mill. I don't want to be your umpteenth Fantine in 'Les Miz.'

The Last Ship,' which is a beautifully written piece, is about a love triangle and young men working in a shipyard. Audiences may prefer to see a show that allows them to forget about their worries for an evening.

When I was in the running for the role of Elphaba, I knew it was important to research and study as much background information as I could, so I got my head stuck into 'Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West' by Gregory Maguire, and I believe I lost many days, weeks, and months reading it - I was captivated!

Living in New York for 10 months was incredible; it was everything I thought it was going to be and more.

I am glad and thankful that my husband forced me to start reading for pleasure, as it took me years to listen to him and pick up a book!

I read books for exams at school, but only because I had to read them, and really didn't enjoy it one little bit! The only time I did enjoy it was when I was asked to read out loud in front of the class, as I then used it as an acting exercise!