The Corona Diaries: Rhianne-Louise McCaulsky

These recent times have been some of the hardest challenges we've faced and as a community, it hit us pretty hard. However during these difficult times, here at Pocket Size Theatre, we wanted to spread a little positivity and share some peoples experiences because we are all in this together. Each day we'll be speaking to our friends in the industry to share their experiences with you all so take a read and see how people are getting through these hard times.  

Let's stick together, share the love and get through this as a community! 

*Some information mentioned in this article may be out of date due to the progress of the current situation. Please keep that in mind when reading*

Rhianne-Louise McCaulsky is currently in the West End musical, Tina: The Musical at the Aldwych Theatre. Her other credits include Rizzo in the UK Tour of Grease, West End production of Bat Out of Hell (for which she won a nomination for Best Understudy in the 2018 West End Wilma Awards) and The Book of Mormon at The Prince Of Wales Theatre, London.

On Monday 16th March 2020, The Society of London Theatre announced the closure of all Theatres in London. This followed suit with regional venues. Where were you when you found out and what was your initial reaction?

I was actually in tech rehearsals for Tina! We had been teching for around two weeks and were just about to do our first dress run. My initial reaction was shock. I just couldn’t believe it was happening. I always saw the West End like a machine, no matter what it would always run. Similarly to Broadway. I was also pretty upset as we were due to open the next day. It’s a day I’ll never forget.

Can you tell us anything productive you’ve been doing?  

At the moment with this time off I’ve been trying to be productive as possible, but am also secretly loving giving my body and mind a little time to rest. I’ve been on the go doing bits and pieces since last year so I’m definitely trying to revel in this time! I’m picking up my Spanish again, I’ve been learning on and off since I was really little and now I have the time I really want to focus on getting it good again.

I’m in awe of how many fitness classes and dance classes they’re out there though! Absolutely love it! I’ve been trying to chime into those here and there, but as for myself, I’m thinking of doing some live singing streams soon because who doesn’t love a little sing?!

INTERVIEW: Rhianne-Louise McCaulsky, currently starring in the new UK tour of Grease the Musical

Rhianna-Louise McCaulsky is currently playing the role of Rizzo in the new touring production of Grease the Musical. Her other credits include ensemble & cover Zahara in Bat Out of Hell at the Dominion Theatre and ensemble & cover Nabalungi in The Book of Mormon at the Prince of Wales Theatre. We caught up with Rhianne-Louise whilst in rehearsals for Grease before she heads out on tour. 

Tell us what we can look forward to in this new production of Grease. 

We’ve got some cool new songs which haven’t been used since the original production, we’ve gone back to the original script and really tried to focus on the truth of the characters. They are working class teenagers growing up in 1950s Chicago and the creative team have really tried to concentrate on that. 

What is it like to be part of a brand new production of Grease, the first of its kind to tour the UK? 

I am so excited about this new production. It’s so nice to be a part of something that we have had the opportunity to mould ourselves. It’s been a very hands on collaborative rehearsal process. I still have to pinch myself sometimes. 

Grease is obviously one of the most well known musicals in the world, but tell us a bit about your exposure with the show prior to getting cast in it. 

My family practically raised me on Grease. That’s why it was so funny that I got the part of Rizzo, because I have been watching it since I can remember. I used to sing ‘There Are Worse Things I Could Do’ at every opportunity.