Rachael Stirling Online

That's so good to hear! I'm so looking forward to seeing this movie, it looks amazing!

Any idea when it will be released in Canada?? If you could look into that (at some point) - that would be great! Thanks.

Thanks for all you do, Bonnie and Claire. I really hope that "The Truth" makes it here to the States, as we all would love to see Rachael on the big screen (that's how I first saw TTV, it was great!) Freeze Frame only played at one theatre in L.A. for one week and that was it! I love Rachael's indie streak but it makes it more difficult for us not in the U.K. to see her work (sigh). Thanks again, B&C!

Hopeful for"The Truth"but also realistic… the only UKers Americans seem to want in their films are Orlando,Jude and Colin(Farrell or Firth)! Freeze Frame appeared briefly@ the Tribeca film festival here in NY;don't believe it ever had a theatrical release.Blockbuster did have 2 copies of FF;to me the sign of a really good film!!Would have loved to have seen TTV on the big screen in LA;what a treat!!

It would be great to see Rachael in more films readily available to a North American audience. Apparently, Canadians love her!

Just to clarify, Thel- I'm from Seattle and saw TTV on a big screen here. I was just tracking FF on the internet to see f it would come to Seattle and found it on one screen in L.A. Did note that FF played at Tribeca and got a lot of positive comments from viewers. Did you get to see it then? I would love to see it that way, I thought that Rachael was especially beautiful, in an edgy sort of way.

Hi EB…did not get to see FF @Tribeca. Why hasn't this film been shown on IFC?Perhaps the DNA "extraction" scene is too hot,even for cable!Rachael does look striking in FF,but then again,she really cannot look otherwise! Even when made up to look poorly(TTV after leaving Kitty)she is still totally stunning!By the way,I loved your line about Rachael's child hood pics:"She was born adorable and is adorable still"; so poetic and ever so true!!!

So true, Thel- Rachael cannot look anything but striking/ adorable/stunning and so many other superlatives because of the force that is Rachael! I mean, of course we would agree that there gobs of gorgeous women, but if there's nothing inside then it's a mute point. Rachael's talent and spirit are a joy to watch, and may we be blessed with more!

Could not agree more,EB!There is a great spirit that shines through in Rachael's perfs; probably a lot of RS in Nan/Stephanie/ and Griselda.These roles are infused with her irresistable charm!And she can deliver a line with such comic timing(from Marple,"…. nothing but my dignity and a pink feather boa" cracks me up!It's also the intelligence;a person who actually reseaches her roles!One can recognize Rachael's brilliance from reading her interviews and her TOB diary;and as she's stated re:college graduation,"…now I can prove I"m not just a thick actress!" Rachael's enthusiasm for acting and learning her craft;just so endearing!!What a gift!!

To EB and Thel, really enjoy reading your comments. I could not agree with you more - beauty is only skin deep and Rachael is stunning on so many levels- brilliant, sophisiticated (yet down to earth),charismatic - and funny - she is so damn funny - I love her sense of humour. Your last comment Thel - was just so bang on. There just aren't many actresses out there - that have a their spirit and creative genius come through the way hers does - in whatever role she's playing. And yes - there is a definite - RS in every role that is unmistakeably charming and mesmerizing. Sigh.

Yes she IS a hit in Canada - Ashley - at least to the many I know in Vancouver - lots of people. I run into lots of women who've seen Tipping - and love Rachael. Yes it would indeed by nice to see more of her films here.

I don't know about Americans, but Canadians do want to see UK actors (other than Jude, Orlando, Hugh and Colin) i.e. - Clive Owen, Helen Mirren, Maggie Smith, David Suchet, Diana Rigg, Lynn and Vanessa Redgrave and many others. I would hope - (unfortunately) because what's her noodle? The American in the film playing the psychologist (blanking on her name) - that her name might get the film a chance at wider distribution in Canada and the US. I do hope that Rachael can achieve the kind of success that gets her films and televsion (and theatre) sent over to this side of the ocean.

Anyway, thanks Bonnie for emailing me and letting me know you'll be on top of any North American releases. Much appreciated! Cheers everyone!

Elizabeth McGovern - that's who I meant. She's well known in the US - I hope that at least gets the film more press here in North America.

I think once America gets a glimpse of Rachael, they'll fall in love.

I was lucky enough to briefly meet her in London this summer. She was very sweet. Needless to say, I floated 10 feet off the ground the rest of the trip. I'm afraid all future trips to London will be a let down.

Hey, anybody out there in the LA area?

Hi Lucy….oh yes,I too adore Rachael's humor; she's indeed laugh-out-loud funny!First time I read the TOB diary,was @ work,and could not stop laughing!!Her other descriptions,re: using the TTV dildo as a coathook and researching historic (metal)sex toys,"…all that clanking";just so very amusing!!Great to hear Canadians love Rachey!!Of all the TTV viewers around the planet,could there be many who did not fall in love with the charismatic force that is RS?Even veteran film critics confessed to falling under her spell &/or being totally mesmerized!!!!

Hi Thel, I never read about the "metal sex toys - clanking joke" - where is that one? God I thought I'd seen and read everything I could about her … please - do tell! And yes Ioved her joke about the dildo being the only thing that would hold up her Afghan coat. I was pissing myself laughing. Or her comments about "well you just haven't tipped the right kind of velvet then have you?" She's so damn witty! Sigh … Oh, and I must confess - I may be Canadian - but I was born in London, and still am a Brit at heart - given all my relatives live there - so I probably watch more British film and telly than most over here -although there are a lot who do.

Hi dDina…so great you've met Rachael!Were
you in London?Could you relate some details?As for RS popularity stateside,I often check the membership on this site and the US
generally has more members than any other country;often surpassing the UK!Rachael made her mark here with TTV on BBC America!

Hi again Lucy…I'm in the habit of printing RS
interviews from the net and for Rachael's
study of Victorian sex aids go to:
http://www.sfgate.com
You'll find the article,titled,"BBC's Racy Export"
in the archive section;dated 5/18/03.
What's intruiging is not just the extensive
research for her role,but Rachael's ability
to extract humor from the material!!By the way,what did you think of her reporting of the
hankie scene with Leatherby on the Skinner
show?Quite hilarious!

Hey Thel,
Thanks for the tip (no pun intended .. okay maybe ) Very fun article - yes I have stuff saved - folders with articles, photos, movies, radio - wallpaper - and icons. I'm a pretty sad case … (never done this with anyone before) - she just so damn fab.

Re: your comment about the US - there are more people on there - yes, but remember that's out of 250 million. We're only 25-30 million here in Canada- so by - per capita - the UK and Canada beat the US hands down - at least according to on this web site's stats.

Yes loved the hankie story - what I couldn't believe is that she just let it keep happening - or that Anna Chancellor didn't notice anything? I think I could tell the difference between a hankie and a woman's pubes. Hey so every time I hear Rachael talking about sexuality - she comes across with a very queer sensibility. That article you referred me to, is another example - about what she says about falling in love with women. I wonder - and have for some time - if she ever had a fling with a woman - or if not, that she's the sort that would be open to it if the right one came along. Any thoughts?

And yes I'd love to hear more about your meeting with Rachael in LONDON!!! Oh my god. Do tell dDina!

Here's how I met Rachael: I went to see her perform in "Theatre of Blood" during the Saturday afternoon performance. I took a stroll around the theatre after the play and happened to see her leaving through the "stage door." She was stunning, but that's to be expected. She wore this lavender dress that was simply flowing off of her. Anyway, I called out her name and asked her if I could take a picture with her (I was in London for the first time, so I had a camera readily available). She kindly said that she doesn't take pictures, but she'd sign something if I'd like. Now, I'm not one for autographs, but I'd never turn Rachael down. I handed her the program and we both fished around for pens in our purses for a while. I finally found one, gave it to her and she signed my program. She asked for my name so she could write "Dear …" Truth be told, standing there next to her I almost forgot my name. Finally, I thanked her warmly and told her she was great in the play and we were both off. Throughout this encounter she was in a terrible hurry, a bit frantic in fact, so the fact that she stopped at all is super cool.

Wow, thanks for the play by play Dina. I think I probably would have forgotten my name - you did well to remember. Man I've had fantasies of that happening … must have been amazing. How did you like the play? And did her acting live up to everything the reviews say? Or better?

The play was a riot. I loved it. But I'm not a good judge of Rachael's acting. I would give her a standing ovation for reading the phone book.

That's so funny, Dina- me too! And I'm quite sure that no one could read the phone book as charmingly as Rachael. Well, except for her mum Diana. Thel, loved your Diana b-day comment about there not being a greater Mother and Daughter combo in our lifetimes- so true! Wouldn't it be a riot to go out and have a few drinks with the both of them- imagine the zingers they'd be lobbing back and forth! I'm sure I'd pee from laughing so hard- wouldn't have to work my abs for a week! Dina, what a great experience, thanks for sharing that- i'll bet you were thrilled! Very, very cool. Had fun reading everyone's comments today. It's really heartening to know that Rachael has so many intelligent, fun fans around the globe. She more than deserves that. I'm hoping that we see her in more lead roles in films(that actually get distribution). Cheers, everyone!

So enjoyed your Rachael encounter,Dina.
how very exciting!Had I been in your place,I would have stuttered my way into blithering
idiothood,with a silly laugh like Gracie in TTV!!Thanks for the vicarious experience!
Yes,EB lets go out to a pub with DDR/RS.They'd no doubt drink us under the table but it would be great fun.Don't know if I could handle the auditory overload of those two beautiful voices spouting one-liners,and the visual overdose of gorgeousness!!What a fabulous fantasy!!!

Hi Lucy..I do see your point re:per capita
fanhood.I also don't usually make a habit of collecting pics,articles and dvds,but Rachael is quite the exception!About your query(pun
intended,could've used any word).Do you have
The RS piece,Only Human Nature After ALL?
Rachael states she'd never kissed a woman or did a love scene before TTV and says she feels a woman would instinctively know what
another woman would enjoy!She goes on to say that love is love and the bond/
understanding that women have with each
other can make sex even more rewarding. It
would seem Rachael has a rather liberal.
open-minded attitude and may be game for
alternative exploration;she is the perpetual
student after all and we know of her affinity for research!!!For additional titillation(pun) think of
the love scenes in TTV from Keeley's POV;she's admittedly bisexual and the question is,was she really good at acting
turned on,or was she really turned on??Sure
seemed the latter to me!

Hey Thel,
What RS piece - about Only Human Nature After All? I know the song from the movie DVD (which I have of course) - but not sure if you mean the lyrics??

Your comments about Rachael - being liberal minded - and the stuff you quoted is EXACTLY why I think she would be the sort that might straddle the fence and fall off maybe - if the right gal came along. AND I had NO IDEA Keeley Hawes was bisexual? Is that for real? I have a couple of friends who are really hot for her. Although I know she's dating that bloke from MI-5 (Spooks - in Britain) Matthew somebody or other. Yes I can imagine she would be turned on - hell who wouldn't? I heard they both got a bit drunk before the scene. I recall reading somewhere that Keeley was really nervous. So if she was admittedly nervous - and admittedly is bisexual, hmmmm - makes you wonder if she was nervous about getting all turned on rather than the scene itself.

Love the phone book comments - yes I'm sure RS would be amazing doing that. Ahh to dream …

Did any of you see Fingersmith? We still haven't had it released over here yet. Another Sarah Waters book - adapted for BBC.

I saw 'Fingersmith." It was ok. After "Tipping," it was a bit disappointing. I loved the book, however. I felt the actresses were uncomfortable with each other at times. And parts of it seemed to drag on.

Yeah I loved the book too Dina. I read reviews and they said similar stuff to what you have. Bummer. But it's nice to see them adapting lesbian novels period. God - when I came out in 1981 - (at 16 - I'm not that old) - it was all we could do to even find anything anywhere in the media related to positive images of lesbian sexuality. Even when you did see it - the lesbian always died in the end, or got jilted, or was a murderer.

OK Lucy…Only Human Nature After All is also
an article penned by Rachael;an exploration of her sexuality after filming TTV.The interview
with Rachael/Keeley in which KH admits to being bi is called Dyke and is from Diva mag.
Printed these from the net but the addresses
no longer work.In both,Rachael recalls her then boyfriend,John's reactions to first viewing
TTV with Rachael;"…..I didn't know there'd be
tongues",he's quoted as saying.He was also concerned that his buddies would find the film
a turn-on.Needless to say,their break-up was shortly thereafter.Can't you see RS pleading
(as Nan to Alice)……."but I'm still the same
person!".Rachael deserves so much more
than a wimpy,insecure person!!!
Anyway ,re:the Diva interview,apparently RS/KH giggled their way through it.Rachael
said,"I'm f***ing proud of it!"Keeley says,We had good snogs":RS responds,"good snogs
and lots of licking"!Rachael also stated,"Just wait till you see us,because it's really beautiful,it's one of the sexiest love scenes I've
ever seen.I think her being a girl did make it easier.Neither of us found it difficult."
If I ever get a scanner,I'll send these on to Bonnie for the site!
Loved Fingersmith the book,haven't yet seen the series.Anxious to read Sarah's next work!

Hi Thel, Piss … that sounds like an awesome interview!!!!! I didn't think Keeley was bi - cause she said her parents freaked when they saw the show - I read that in an interview somewhere. Man - I have a scanner - too bad I couldn't do it for you … you could beam it over here. Hey you're in New York right? New York City? I'm going to be there in October - later on. My brother lives there. maybe I could get it off you then. I read DIVA - but haven't in a bit - I'm so bummed I missed that interview. Man that stuff you quoted is juicy! Yeah I read something about her then boyfriend being a bit shocked at the love scenes - but I didn't realize they split shortly after. I heard she was devastated - thought he was the "one." Oh well, we've all been there. Part of growing older. I'm going to try DIVA online and see if they have the article. If you want to reach me - get Bonnie or Claire to give you my email - if you feel like emailing directly. Although I think everyone on here is probably enjoying all the dirt you know. Yes I love the Fingersmith book too. Sarah Waters is apparently coming out with a book about lesbians in the 40's in Britain. One of my favourite eras - I have a BA in History and Critical Studies in Sexuality - so the Victorian era, and 19th to mid-20th Century history related to gender, politics, culture and sexuality really are my passion. Can't wait to see what she does with her next book.

Hey Lucy…not in the Big Apple;upstate and don't have email.If i snail-mailed these tidbits to you or Bonnie,then they could be scanned for the site!Also had sent to London for some of the Rex Features photos(totally stunning!!)
and wouldn't mind copying them as well,but I
would need a promise that you guys will visit
me in my London prison cell (before I get hanged like Caroline Crale in 5 Little Pigs)( or
put in chains like Moll Flanders)'cause I'm sure,copying is a No No.
Not a computer geek ,so let me know the logistics involved.

Hey Thel,
You could send it by snail mail to my brother in NYC (cheaper shipping) who is very reliable - and who also happens to have a scanner. I'll ask him - but let me know first if that's something you'd consider. I would absolutely come and visit you in a London prison - I have relatives there - so I'd have no problem finding a place to stay - while you're eating bread and water - waiting for your hanging. What are these photos from Rex? God for someone who is not a computer geek you're way on the ball in that regard. Anyway, let me know if you're up for sending stuff to my brother - and if so - then he can email it to me - and I can always burn you a copy and send it to you on disc - and also forward it to Bonnie and Claire for the web site. If you are up for it - I'll send Bonnie my brother's snail mail address and she can forward it to you (is that possible since you don't have email?) If not - give her your phone number - and she can email that to me - and I'll call you and give you the mailing info (only 5 cents a min. after six PST for me - so no big deal).

So Lucy…..why don't I leave my # on Bonnie's
email;you call and give me your address.You can then scan for the site.I'll make copies so
won't need anything back.One problem,the
Only Human Nature article can't be copied..too
light,tried@ work.Will type it myself.Re:the Rex
Features photos,they're on this very site in the
photoshoots section,pages 2&3;Rachael
wearing dark pinstripe blazer,in various poses
and looking quite lovely!To prove she doesn't
take herself too seriously,theres one comic
pose….didn't get that one.Expressions range
from child-like,to intriguing woman!
Know what I"d love to see?A new edition of TTV with all the out-takes/bloopers included.That would be oh so hilarious!!!What do you think?Do you really have relatives in
London jails?

I didn't realize Thel that the Rex Feature photos were on this site. Yes they ARE lovely. But so small you can barely get a good view. I didn't know who shot them - so if there's any chance of you risking it all and going to prison …. I'd be happy to scan them for you.

I will call you - once Bonnie emails me with your phone number. I do not have relatives IN London jails- but in London - where I was born and raised till age 5. I was saying I could visit you in prison - as I would have numerous places to stay in London. Now if your comment was a joke - then it was pretty funny. Yes I do think an out-takes version of TTV would be fab - but I think we'll have to dream for that one. If you're planning on sending photocopies - I can always scan them myself - given you won't be sending a heavy magazine. Shouldn't cost much postage-wise. I'll call you hopefully this weekend (likely Saturday if Bonnie sends me your number in time). Thanks for all of this!

Hi Lucy….T'was a joke,of course!Approximately
51% of what I say is generally funny and that's
why I love Rachael's humor!So,being raised in
London,do you have an accent?
As for the Rex photos,these small ones are
only samples for ordering purposes.The
company does offer a range of sizes;mine are
8X10s!
No thanks needed…it will be my pleasure
to share these gems with you;our fellow Rachael fans and with Bonnie,whose ingenuity created this very special place!!
Sent the number tonight.

Hi Thel, 51% of what you say? Does that mean you're only serious 49% of the time? Interesting break down… Well haven't rec'd the number yet - but I'll call you when I do.

I did have an accent (Queen's English) - years ago - when I was young - but lost it. But can put it on in a snap when needed (which isn't often.) Looking forward to seeing those 8×10's of Rachael - ohhh man. I wrote her and asked for a autographed picture - haven't heard anything back yet - and am not holding my breath. I wrote her I think back in Feb. or March. Never written anyone before either … she just has that certain "je ne sais quoi" about her - I never would have dreamt I'd write any sort of celebrity. Has anyone (who is still reading my drivel) written or heard anything back from RS? Except for lucky Dina who got her scribble in person!!!!

Oh yes,bout a year ago,I sent RS a letter.
prefaced by saying,"I'm not in the habit of writing to a celebrity,but…..".How many of those do you think she's received?No reply
either.Rachael is a horse person,so I sent her
a horsey birthday card in May:2 horses(1big,
1small)on front wearing party hats and big
horse saying,"let's sing Happy Birthday"
Inside smaller horse says,"I can't,I'm a little
hoarse"!
Going to Staples today and will have the pics
copied.To me,these photos are evidence of
Rachael's exceptional look;the eyes,
windblown streaked hair,diamond stud earrings and those irresistable smiles!!The
photographer has truly captured her beauty!!
I believe they were shot last fall.

You know Thel - you could get Staples to scan that stuff for you? They should have a scanner. Would that be easier than sending it by mail??

Can't believe you had the guts to send her a birthday card. Pretty funny. Still waiting to hear from Bonnnie - sent her an email - maybe they're out of town or something?

Nix that last comment - Bonnie was on top of it (as usual) - my spam detector on my server tagged it for some weird reason.

Yep - received your message with the number, Thel. I couldn't reply as there was no email address, of course! Have you considered getting a free email account? I use Gmail and have some invitation codes if you'd like one.

A friend of mine received a reply from Rachael in the form of a scribbled autograph in purple gel pen! As she'd written Rachael a fairly lengthy letter (if I remember correctly) and not asked for or wanted an autograph, I think she was a little affronted!

I too wrote to Rachael last November, just after the launch of this site. I told her the address, etc. and said that I hope she liked it. I also told her that I didn't expect a reply and haven't received one, which I'm kind of pleased about. I'd be scared if she wrote to me!

Anyway, it's nice to read the things you've been discussing. Perhaps I'll create a separate message board area here at the site for a more convenient way of chatting about things.

Hi Lucy…Thanks so much for your iMac advice!
I was finally able watch the tipsy Rachael on that hysterically funny Skinner show!!Had read the transcript in the past,but it's nothing like
seeing the video!!Do love those zinger,one-
liners RS can improvise on the spot! Merci!!

Hi Bonnie…appreciate your kind help today!
I know you'll enjoy what Lucy will be sending!Re: Email,it's not the money,it's the junk & viruses;may re-consider though.
Guess we've not ever seen this many comments since your inception of RS.com;can you believe this is # 40?Love
the idea of a message board;it would be
great!!
Now I'm thinking,how would I like to receive
a purple gel scribble from Rachael?
Bonnie,can't thank you enough for this
wonderful place!!We'll soon be wishing you Happy One year Anniversary!You're the Best!!!!!

For anyone interested, I just spotted an autographed photo of Rachael on ebay. The item number is 4766524771. Its 99 pence and nobody's bid on it yet. Odd thing is the signature doesn't look much like her name. I was a bit bummed out after seeing my program, because the signature didn't look like her name. But, now, I'm seeing that that's just her regular signature.

Hey Dina, thanks for the info on the e-bay sale. I took a look at it and man it's too bad the photo isn't one of her from TTV - but she still looks great.

Thel, glad you were finally able to view the Frank Skinner Show video. Yes it is a hoot - and a very different take than when one is reading the transcript. Glad you enjoyed it.

Bonnie, if your friend was affronted by the autographed picture - tell her she can feel free to send it to me! Maybe that's just her way of saying thank you - as she probably has little or no time to write.

Yes a message board on here would be fun and a great resource - heck I never would have known about the e-bay thing - or Thel might never have seen the Frank Skinner show or none of us would have heard Dina's exciting autograph story!

Again - this web site rocks!

Hey Lucy….that very pic here in photo shoots
pg1 ;and another pose pg2(sans autograph&
clothing).RS appears quite young;can anyone guess the year they were shot?
Another iMac question.Downloaded the
other video and only the sound plays;no
picture.Any ideas?
Anyway,you've heard the expression,"..the
check is in the mail".well the goodies are in the air and will be flying to you via snail-air
mail.ETA within the week!Anxious to learn
your reaction to the pics!!Enjoy!!

Ok, I'm guessing the shot was taken in 1998. Yes she does look young, probably why I don't like that photo as much.

Thel, in regards to that other wmv file that doesn't have video - I had that same problem - don't know why. I think there's a newer version of Windwos Media for Mac - but you have to be on OSX to use it - and I don't think either of us are on that platform - so that may be why the video doesn't work. I occasionally have the odd wmv file sent to me and I can hear sound but no video - and it's usually because it's made with the newer version.

Thanks again for sending that stuff. Am very much looking forward to seeing it all and passing it on to Bonnie and everyone on the web site. Thanks again Thel.

So what year was that photo taken?

Hey Lucy…didn't mean to imply that I knew
what year that pic was shot>Rachael does appear quite thin and young,so your guess could be right on.Not my fav photo either.In contrast,RS was somewhat cherubic in 2001
with TOL/Othello.To me,Rachael's prime
look evolved in"02 with Bait/TTV,and her
being svelte in TTV gave Nan a kind of
vulnerability.Personally,these Rex photos,shot
last fall,are a state of the art look for RS!Let's see if you agree.

Hey Thel,
Got your stuff in the mail yesterday (Friday) - looked at the photos - HOLY they look fantastic. Haven't had much time to look through other stuff, but I'll get it scanned and off ot Bonnie as soon as I get a chance! Thanks a million - again!