Podcast: Rachel Tucker talks Come From Away, kissing cod, and her cabaret act with her father

West End favourite Rachel Tucker is currently leaving audiences in tears as she stars in the Olivier Award-winning musical Come From Away in London's West End.

Amongst other characters (each member of the small cast plays several different parts), Tucker plays Beverley Bass, the first female American Airlines pilot whose plane was forced to land in the immediate aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. It landed in Gander, a tiny town in Newfoundland, Canada, which was forced to deal with 7,000 stranded passengers and crew. Lucky for them, they probably couldn't have landed in a better place.

In the latest episode of the Spotlight podcast, Tucker opens up about the kindness and compassion the residents of Gander showed them, how they became honorary members of the state (it involves strong alcohol and kissing slippery fish), and keeping together while the audience is reacting to the massively emotive show.

Tucker, who has played Elphaba both in the West End and Broadway productions of Wicked, also spoke about her performing beginnings, touring a cabaret act when her father as a child.

You can listen to the Spotlight podcast by subscribing using Apple Podcasts, Acast or Stitcher, and you can listen to this episode below via YouTube.

Come From Away is currently playing at the Phoenix Theatre.

Come From Away tickets are available now.