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I think Rachel is one of the best Christines I've ever seen on the London stage, and I've seen
quite a few, having been going to see Phantom since 1987. She has a wonderful voice and
acts the part of the young ingenue so well. She had a good rapport with John Owen Jones but I
think Rachel and Earl Carpenter are just perfect together as the Phantom and his Christine.
Rachel is always willing to stop and sign autographs or pose for photographs at the Stage
Door. She seems quite a shy, quiet girl but is always very friendly and approachable. My
Phantom phriends and I were so thrilled when we learned she was staying on as Christine!
Jeanette - Sept 2005

An equally emotional role is Christine. The character was written for Sarah Brightman,
emphasising her extraordinary vocal range. The vocal demands have not lessened over
time and Rachel Barrell more than fills Brightman's shoes.
Her interpretation hits the right notes with a stunningly beautiful voice, and she gives a
multi-dimensional acting performance which captures the innocent, shy young woman
who grows up quickly when she is pushed into the limelight, and faces attention from
Raoul and The Phantom.
Barrell triumphs in every song, but especially in Think of Me and the haunting Wishing
You Were Somehow Here Again, when Christine remembers her departed father and
wishes she could move on.
Kate Longhurst, IC Berkshire

Rachel Barrell’s sweet CHRISTINE fills the space with her effortlessly pure voice from
the moment she begins THINK OF ME. Yet she meets the challenge of the sexually
charged PAST THE POINT OF NO RETURN head on.
Clare Whitehead - Theatreradio

For various reasons I only got to see Phantom for the first time a couple of years ago,
but have made up for it since!
During this time I have seen three Christine's and by far the majority of occasions the
role was performed by Rachel.
She is in my opinion exceedingly good and certainly the best of the three which I have
seen.
Also an excellent performing partnership with Earl Carpenter.
In my latest visit (Saturday 14 October 2006) to see the show I was fortunate to see (I
think) Rachel's final appearance (unbeknown when booking, having to do so well in
advance in order to obtain a good seat.)
The applause and cheering at the end of 'Think Of Me' was the greatest I have heard,
and calls of 'more' at the end of 'Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again'.
And finally a number of red roses thrown onto the stage at the curtain call.
I am well pleased that I had a front row seat for this performance.
I also had the great pleasure of meeting Rachel in January this year at the post
performance meet the cast, as featured in one of the photographs posted on this
website.
I found her a most pleasant, charming, unassuming, natural person to talk with.
Barry Coppock.

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