A Letterkenny woman is preparing to make her debut in a leading stage role in a musical in Gosford, Australia.
Rachel Diver (née Hogg) is the leading lady in Gosford Musical Society’s production of SHOUT! The Legend of The Wild One, a thrilling portrayal of Australia’s iconic rock ‘n’ roll star, Johnny O’Keefe.
With a wealth of experience in theatre, Rachel’s journey began at home where she performed with the Letterkenny Musical Society and at St Mary’s University College in Belfast during her student days. After relocating to Australia 13 years ago, she has balanced her career as a primary teacher with her passion for performing and pilates coaching.
Now residing on the Central Coast with her husband, Thomas Diver from Clar Donegal Town, and their two young daughters, Claragh (4) and Aoibhín (6), Rachel has been captivated by the excitement surrounding the SHOUT! production, which was recently featured on a local TV news segment.
Speaking about her role as Marianne to NBN News, Rachel said: “It’s really interesting playing a real-life character for once. We all play fictitious characters usually in musical theatre so researching her has been intriguing and relatable for me.”
Cody Swansbra as Johnny O’Keefe and Rachel Diver as Marianna Renate in Shout! The Legend of The Wild One. Photos by Benjamin Hudson
Rachel has been acting and singing from the young age of 5, performing in musicals such as the ‘King and I’ and ‘Magic of the Musicals’ productions.
She has played lead roles in ‘Oklahoma’, ‘Calamity Jane’ and has enjoyed performing in Gilbert and Sullivans’ ‘Mikado’ as one of the three little maids and in ‘The Pirates of Penzance’ as well as Little Shop of Horrors.
Rachel has been a member of many different theatre companies and worked with ‘The Pyramid Theatre Company, London.
She has also helped to write scripts for plays. Singing is her biggest passion, having previously sang in ‘Mendelssohn’s Elijah’ and ‘Handel’s Messiah’ with a full orchestra. She has performed on television on numerous occasions and has also recorded several songs.
Rachel joined GMS last year and loved performing in ‘Kinky Boots’. This summer as the curtain rises on the 10 show run of SHOUT!, she says she’s delighted to be playing the role of Marianne and is very grateful to work with such a fabulous cast and crew.
