Rachelle Ann Go was always destined to be a singer. Her parents told her she was humming along to a song on the radio at just eight months old. Inspired, her father taught her to sing and play musical instruments. At the age of six her father would put her on top of a table to sing for people at family events, but it wasn’t something the young Rachelle Ann Go enjoyed.
“I was so shy, I had a fear of people!” explained Go, admitting she still has that fear at times.
Despite her fears, Rachelle Ann Go continued to sing and her father entered her into numerous amateur singing competitions. However, it wasn’t easy for Rachelle Ann Go. She recalls being told she wasn’t any good, she wouldn’t win and that she was ugly. Adding to her torment, she was bullied at school.
For many years, Rachelle Ann Go battled with insecurity. Despite this, she got her first big break at the age of 11 when she won the Search for a Star television talent competition in the Philippines. It catapulted her into the entertainment industry as a young pop singer.
Musical theatre wasn’t on her radar until she saw Miss Saigon, and was inspired by Lea Salonga. Looking for a way out of the pop industry, and keen to explore new things, Go auditioned for Miss Saigon and landed the role of Gigi. Further roles followed in the Philippines, in Disney’s Tarzan (Jane) and The Little Mermaid (Ariel).
However, it was being cast as Fantine in the West End production of Les Miserables that would lead to Rachelle Ann Go’s international stardom.
Go moved to London, but she became homesick and her childhood insecurities remained. She’d never had any training in musical theatre, and despite her previous experience in leading roles in the Philippines, Rachelle Ann Go began to question if theatre was really the right place for her. When she started in Les Miserables she was the only person of colour in the show. She felt out of place, but never shared her fears and concerns with anyone.
“No one knew my struggles.”
One night, before Les Miserables was about to start, she drew on her faith and prayed a prayer, asking God if she was good enough. During the hospital scene, Peter Lockyer, who was playing Valjean, quietly said to Rachelle Ann Go, “You’re Amazing!”
That moment changed her life. It was the answer to her prayer she needed. Rachelle Ann Go felt a sense of purpose and let go of her insecurities.
Now, she’s proud to be representing not only her country and the Filipino community, but indeed all people of colour.
“I should be proud of it and embrace it!”
Rachelle Ann Go is now encouraged by the members of the Asian community who greet her at stage door.
Her latest role is reprising the role of Fantine in the international tour of Les Mis the Arena Spectacular.
“This is a dream come true! I’m so excited to do it,” said Go.
Go is looking forward to working again with performers she’s shared the stage with already, but also to work with new cast members. And she’s looking forward to the intensity of emotions required to deliver performances to thousands of people in an arena presentation. This huge arena production features a full cast and orchestra on stage of 65 people.
Now married, and a mother of two, Rachelle Ann Go says she still has moments when she worries, but she’s now learnt to just surrender and find the joy.
“It’s amazing when you find joy in what you do, you want to feel that every day and I remind myself to have joy.”
Les Mis the Arena Spectacular is in Australia for 5 weeks only commencing on April 30 in Sydney, May 14 Melbourne and May 28 Brisbane. Due to demand more performances have just been added in Sydney and Melbourne
For more information and tickets www.lesmisarenatour.com.au
