Rachel attended the Stage One New Producer’s Workshop in 2014, she is the founder and producer of Tooting Arts Club, a site-responsive theatre company without a permanent home. Under the name Tooting Arts Club Rachel has produced five critically acclaimed productions, Invasion! (January 2011); Tinderbox  (September 2011); Barbarians (April 2012) and  A Midsummer Night’s Dream (August 2013). In 2014 she produced the highly acclaimed Sweeney Todd at Harrington’s pie and mash shop in Tooting which subsequently transferred to a disused nightclub, owned by Cameron Mackintosh, between the Queen’s and Gielgud theatres on Shafesbury Avenue.

At the moment you are…
Currently producing Barbarians by Barrie Keeffe at the former disused Central St Martins School of Art on Charing Cross Road.

What does Stage One mean to you?
It is the most brilliant, and entirely unique resource for those wishing to pursue a career in commercial theatre. It is a hugely supportive organisation, a place where you can ask all the questions that you might otherwise be afraid to in more intimidating environments.  It also is an excellent place to network and meet other producers, investors, and key people in the industry. I met the my co-producer for Sweeney Todd and Barbarians at a Stage One event, Hilary Williams. I very am grateful to Stage One for presenting a situation where our paths could cross, she is now a very important person in the TAC story and also a great friend and support.

Last show you saw and loved?
In The Heights!  It was fantastic! I was so impressed and awed by the sheer talent on display. What dedication and vision from all involved.  I do not under estimate the level of commitment and hard work that goes into a production of that scale and hold huge respect to the whole team.  Furthermore I loved seeing a heavily pregnant Victoria Hamilton-Barritt deliver such a tour-de-force of a performance!  How refreshing and inspiring to see a heavily pregnant woman on stage, but not only that, to see her totally knock it out of the park was just brilliant all power to her.

What are you looking forward to in 2016?
Shamefully I am never very in the know when it comes to what’s on, but I am looking forward to seeing Red Velvet as part of the Kenneth Branagh Season at the Garrick. I love that period of history and I think it is a really inventive choice to bring this production into town. Also Hand to God should be brilliant, it is very smart and very funny, I am very glad it’s coming over. On a personal, professional level I am looking forward to adventures oversees…

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Never buy cheap gaffer tape, it’s a false economy.

To find out further details on Barbarians, click HERE.