RACHAEL MERRY
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About RACHAEL
Rachael is an Actor and BSL/English interpreter extensively trained in many areas of
performance; with particular affinity to Deaf accessible and Bi-lingual work (English & BSL). Most recently, she appeared in Antigone at the Storyhouse Chester.
A first-class graduate of specialist degree programme TAEDS from the University of Reading, a recent notable role was as integrated performance interpreter in Paines Plough and Tamasha’s thirty-three venue UK tour of I Wanna Be Yours; culminating at the Bush Theatre in early 2020. More recently, Rachael has performed in Living Newspaper for The Royal Court, directed by Lucy Morrison.
“Appealingly expressive”, Rachael’s flair for physicality can be seen in several areas of her performance repertoire including physical theatre, dance (various forms including tap) and acting through song. Complimented by her experience and extensive knowledge base, this niche set of skills often sees her in high demand to work with Deaf-led and accessible companies, directors and filmmakers.
In addition, Rachael’s onscreen work can be seen in a variety of award nominated short films, including commissions from online and broadcasting channel BSLBT (British Sign Language Broadcasting Trust). Also proficient in voiceover work, Rachael could be heard as two contrasting characters for D-Live!’s 2019 production of Frozen Snow Queen (D-Live! Theatre Company).
A member and associate artist of The DH Ensemble, and previous resident artist with GLYPT (Donut Worry R&D), Rachael’s credits include Ellie in DeafFest UK award winning short film AVA (Grint&Ash Collaboration), Librarian in Almost (BSLBT/Flashing Lights Media), Evil Queen in Mirror Mirror (Red Earth Theatre UK Tours), Shiny in Small World (BSLBT/Mutt&Jeff Pictures) and Mrs Yellow in Mr Red and Mrs Yellow (HandprintTheatre).
performance; with particular affinity to Deaf accessible and Bi-lingual work (English & BSL). Most recently, she appeared in Antigone at the Storyhouse Chester.
A first-class graduate of specialist degree programme TAEDS from the University of Reading, a recent notable role was as integrated performance interpreter in Paines Plough and Tamasha’s thirty-three venue UK tour of I Wanna Be Yours; culminating at the Bush Theatre in early 2020. More recently, Rachael has performed in Living Newspaper for The Royal Court, directed by Lucy Morrison.
“Appealingly expressive”, Rachael’s flair for physicality can be seen in several areas of her performance repertoire including physical theatre, dance (various forms including tap) and acting through song. Complimented by her experience and extensive knowledge base, this niche set of skills often sees her in high demand to work with Deaf-led and accessible companies, directors and filmmakers.
In addition, Rachael’s onscreen work can be seen in a variety of award nominated short films, including commissions from online and broadcasting channel BSLBT (British Sign Language Broadcasting Trust). Also proficient in voiceover work, Rachael could be heard as two contrasting characters for D-Live!’s 2019 production of Frozen Snow Queen (D-Live! Theatre Company).
A member and associate artist of The DH Ensemble, and previous resident artist with GLYPT (Donut Worry R&D), Rachael’s credits include Ellie in DeafFest UK award winning short film AVA (Grint&Ash Collaboration), Librarian in Almost (BSLBT/Flashing Lights Media), Evil Queen in Mirror Mirror (Red Earth Theatre UK Tours), Shiny in Small World (BSLBT/Mutt&Jeff Pictures) and Mrs Yellow in Mr Red and Mrs Yellow (HandprintTheatre).
Reviews
★★★★ "BSL actor-interpreter Rachael Merry, who is far more than just someone that
translates. By exaggerating her movements and actions, as well as the characters referencing her throughout Merry becomes a way to highlight and punch through important story beats. She is vital to the performance" (Broadway World)
★★★★"In an inspired innovation, she plays an integral part in the choreography, used almost as an animated prop, throwing in some hilarious facial expressions for a bonus" (The Review Hub)
"BSL interpretation is seamlessly incorporated into the action with terrific work from Rachel Merry who acts almost like an extra character, sometimes coming between the two, sometimes acting as either confidant or commentator, but always demonstrating the way what we say or do is mediated, even by those speaking the shared language of love." (Lyn Gardener, Stage Door App)
★★★★ "Merry’s signing becomes a smart visual equivalent of these asides: she often embodies what they describe" (TimeOut)
translates. By exaggerating her movements and actions, as well as the characters referencing her throughout Merry becomes a way to highlight and punch through important story beats. She is vital to the performance" (Broadway World)
★★★★"In an inspired innovation, she plays an integral part in the choreography, used almost as an animated prop, throwing in some hilarious facial expressions for a bonus" (The Review Hub)
"BSL interpretation is seamlessly incorporated into the action with terrific work from Rachel Merry who acts almost like an extra character, sometimes coming between the two, sometimes acting as either confidant or commentator, but always demonstrating the way what we say or do is mediated, even by those speaking the shared language of love." (Lyn Gardener, Stage Door App)
★★★★ "Merry’s signing becomes a smart visual equivalent of these asides: she often embodies what they describe" (TimeOut)
