Rachel Shenton
{{Short description|English actress (born 1987)}}
{{EngvarB|date=March 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2018}}
{{Infobox person
| image = Rachel Shenton.jpg
| image_upright = 0.85
| caption = Shenton in 2009
| birthname = Rachel Joy Shenton
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1987|12|21|df=y}}
| birth_place = Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, England
| occupation = Actress
| spouse = {{marriage|Chris Overton|2018}}
| children = 1
| awards = Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film at the 90th Academy Awards for The Silent Child
| yearsactive = 2004–present
| known_for = {{plainlist|
}}
}}
Rachel Joy Shenton (born 21 December 1987{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2053650/|title=Rachel Shenton|website=IMDb |accessdate=29 September 2022}}) is an English actress and writer. She gained prominence through her role as Mitzeee Minniver in the Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks (2010–2013). She is also known for her role as Courtney in Waterloo Road and has starred in the ABC Family drama Switched at Birth (2014–2017), the BBC2 sitcom White Gold (2019), and the Channel 5 series All Creatures Great and Small (2020–).
In 2018, Shenton won an Academy Award for her short film The Silent Child, which she wrote, produced and starred in. She is fluent in British Sign Language and American Sign Language.
Early life
Shenton attended two secondary schools, one in Cheadle. Shenton went on to study performing arts at Stoke-on-Trent College (Burslem Campus). In between studying and acting roles, she volunteered at her local charity, Deaflinks.{{cite web|last=Harp|first=Hayley|title=Rachel joins Hollyoaks as girl looking for fame|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/news/Rachel-joins-Hollyoaks-girl-looking-fame/article-2026445-detail/article.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100626110154/http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/news/Rachel-joins-Hollyoaks-girl-looking-fame/article-2026445-detail/article.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=26 June 2010|work=The Sentinel|access-date=22 September 2010|date=16 April 2010}}
Career
=Early career=
Shenton started her career at Edinburgh fringe festival, where her play received critical acclaim.{{cite web | url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2053650/bio/?ref_=nm_ov_bio_sm | title=Rachel Shenton - Biography | website=IMDb }}
Shenton's acting career began with small recurring parts in various television series such as Holby City and Waterloo Road. She also filmed various television commercials for the Ministry of Defence, DFS and Sega Superstars Tennis and appeared in two British films.{{cite web|title=Rachel Shenton – Reasume|url=http://www.rachelshenton.com/resume.html|publisher=RachelShenton.com|access-date=21 July 2010}} She continued recurring appearances in 2008 appearing in Nickelodeon's series Genie in the House and Five's Sophia's Diary, playing Sofia's wayward sister 'Trisha'.
=''Hollyoaks''=
In April 2010, it was announced that Shenton had been cast in Hollyoaks as Mitzeee Minniver, an aspiring glamour model.{{cite web|last=Green|first=Kris|title='Hollyoaks' announces raft of new castings|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s13/hollyoaks/news/a213947/hollyoaks-announces-raft-of-new-castings.html|work=Digital Spy|publisher=(Hachette Filipacchi UK)|access-date=21 July 2010|date=12 April 2010}} Shenton described her character as being the complete opposite of her.{{cite web|last=Missim|first=Mayer|title=Shenton: "Mitzeee's the opposite of me"|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s13/hollyoaks/news/a231543/shenton-mitzeees-the-opposite-of-me.html|work=Digital Spy|publisher=(Hachette Filipacchi UK)|access-date=21 July 2010|date=22 June 2010}} Her casting came as part of new producer Paul Marquess' major revamp of the serial. Before her character had appeared on-screen Shenton received media attention for her image, with tabloids reporting on her likeness to Cheryl Cole.{{cite web|title=Cheryl Cole lookalike Rachel Shenton to join Hollyoaks as wannabe WAG |url=http://www.metro.co.uk/tv/832418-cheryl-cole-lookalike-rachel-shenton-to-join-hollyoaks-as-wannabe-wag|work=Metro|publisher=Associated Newspapers Ltd|access-date=21 July 2010|date=22 June 2009}}
Shenton described the attention and comparisons as "very flattering".{{cite web|last=Green|first=Kris|title=Rachel Shenton (Mitzeee, 'Hollyoaks')|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s13/hollyoaks/interviews/a237545/rachel-shenton-mitzeee-hollyoaks.html|work=Digital Spy|publisher=(Hachette Filipacchi UK)|access-date=21 July 2010|date=16 July 2010}} On 20 December 2012, Shenton announced her decision to leave Hollyoaks. Shenton's final scenes as Mitzeee aired on 15 February 2013, when the character moved to the United States.
=Further roles and ''The Silent Child''=
On 28 April 2014, it was announced that Shenton would make her US television debut in season 3 of the ABC Family drama Switched at Birth playing young student teacher Lilly Summers. Shenton went on to shoot season 4 and 5 which was when the show ended. The final season aired in February 2017.
In August 2017, Shenton appeared in The Silent Child, a film which she created and co-produced with her husband Chris Overton. The film was based on Shenton's own experiences as the child of a parent who became deaf. The film features profoundly deaf six-year-old first-time actor Maisie Sly as the titular child.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/entertainment-arts-42746612/profoundly-deaf-maisie-sly-is-the-star-of-a-short-film-which-may-be-nominated-for-an-oscar
|title=Profoundly deaf Maisie Sly is the star of a short film which might be nominated for an Oscar |work=BBC News |date=20 January 2018}}{{cite news |url=http://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/news/15891154.Oscar_nomination_for_short_film_starring_Swindon_six_year_old_Maisie/ |date=23 January 2018 |title=Oscar nomination for short film starring Swindon six-year-old Maisie |newspaper=Swindon Advertiser |first=Daniel |last=Angelini}} British Sign Language (BSL) is used in the film.
The film won best short film at the Rhode Island International Film Festival in August 2017. That made it eligible for the Oscars. In December 2017, the film was selected as one of the final ten films in the Live Action Short Film category for the 90th Academy Awards. On 23 January 2018, it was announced that The Silent Child had been nominated for the Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film for the 90th Academy Awards, which it won. Shenton kept a promise she had made to the young lead actress and signed her acceptance speech.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-43282172 |title=Deaf British girl's film wins an Oscar|date=2018-03-05|work=BBC News |access-date=2018-03-05 |language=en-GB}}
In March 2019, Shenton joined the cast of the BBC2 comedy series White Gold, playing Jo Scott, a motivational speaker turned window saleswoman, alongside James Buckley and Joe Thomas.
In September 2020, she began appearing as Helen Alderson in the Channel 5 and PBS adaptation of All Creatures Great and Small. Significant changes were made from the source material (both the previous television series and the memoir), allowing the role of Helen to be greatly expanded.{{cite web |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/drama/all-creatures-great-and-small-channel-5-books-original/ |title=Here's how the new All Creatures Great and Small builds on the original books and TV series |date=20 January 2021 |work=Radio Times |access-date=25 February 2021}} The programme was renewed for a second series, which aired in September 2021, with a third series broadcast in 2022.
In June 2023, she played Emily in For Her Sins, a TV drama broadcast on Channel 5.{{cite news |url=https://www.express.co.uk/showbiz/tv-radio/1777790/For-Her-Sins-Jo-Joyner-Rachel-Shenton |title=For Her Sins star pays tribute to 'formidable' Rachel Shenton |work=Daily Express| first=Katie |last=Palmer |date=2023-06-06 |access-date=2023-12-20}} Also in 2023, she starred in the short film In Too Deep, directed by her husband Chris Overton.{{cite web |title=In Too Deep |url=https://slickfilms.co.uk/portfolio-item/in_too_deep-pr/ |publisher=Slick Films |access-date=2023-12-20}}
Shenton is due to star in the upcoming six-part scripted podcast series that she has written called 'Gladstone Girls.' The series tells the story of a group of female workers in the Stoke-On-Trent potteries. They fight to keep their factory traditions alive after a new boss comes along and tries to change things.{{Cite web |last=Yossman |first=K. J. |date=2023-07-13 |title=Oscar Winner Rachel Shenton Unveils New Podcast Drama 'Gladstone Girls' Set in 1970s England (EXCLUSIVE) |url=https://variety.com/2023/digital/global/rachel-shenton-podcast-scripted-gladstone-girls-1970s-england-1235669532/ |access-date=2024-02-18 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}
Midlands Screen Acting School
{{Infobox company
| name = The Midlands Screen Acting School
| logo = Logo for the Midlands Screen Acting School.png
| logo_caption = Official logo for The Midlands Screen Acting School since 2022
| former_name = Acting Mechanics
| industry = Acting, Film and Entertainment
| founded = {{plainlist|
- 2013 (as Acting Mechanics)
- 2022 (rebranded to The Midlands Screen Acting School)
}}
| founder = {{plainlist|
- Rachel Shenton
- Amanda Andrews
}}
| hq_location = The Catalyst Building, Staffordshire University
| services = Education and training in acting for screen
| owner =
| website = https://midlandsscreenactingschool.com/
}}
In 2013, Shenton founded the Midlands Screen Acting School (abbreviated to MSAS and initially named Acting Mechanics) alongside her first acting teacher and agent Amanda Andrews.{{Cite web |last=Hiles |first=Hannah |date=2023-11-16 |title=All Creatures Great and Small's Rachel Shenton to appear in 'gory' horror film |url=https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/news/celebs-tv/creatures-great-smalls-rachel-shenton-8908412 |access-date=2024-07-23 |website=Stoke on Trent Live |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Midlands Screen Acting School |url=https://www.amandaandrewsacting.com/agency |access-date=2024-07-23 |website=amandaandrewsdrama |language=en}} The school specialises in delivering lessons focused on technique for screen acting, as Shenton had always thought accessible education in this field has always been lacking when compared to its stage-based counterpart. Acting Mechanics was rebranded to The Midlands Screen Acting School in 2022.{{Cite web |last=Hiles |first=Hannah |date=2023-11-10 |title=All Creatures Great and Small star Rachel Shenton to land top honour |url=https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/news/stoke-on-trent-news/oscar-winner-rachel-shenton-honoured-8892513 |access-date=2024-07-23 |website=Stoke on Trent Live |language=en}}
Shenton wanted to create opportunities for actors entering the industry in her home town of Stoke-on-Trent.{{Cite web |title=MIDLANDS SCREEN ACTING SCHOOL {{!}} ALL AGES WELCOME FROM BEGINNERS TO PROFESSIONALS |url=https://midlandsscreenactingschool.com/ |access-date=2022-10-09 |language=en-US}}{{Cite news |date=2023-11-15 |title=Oscar-winner Rachel Shenton accepts honorary doctorate |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-stoke-staffordshire-67426731 |access-date=2024-02-18 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |title=Rachel Shenton - Honorary Graduate - Staffordshire University |url=https://www.staffs.ac.uk/about/honorary-graduates/rachel-shenton |access-date=2024-02-18 |website=www.staffs.ac.uk |language=en-GB}}
Classes are designed for up-and-coming actors who are looking to take the next step in their career, however, they do cater to a range of abilities.{{Cite web |last=Nextdoor |title=Midlands Screen Acting School - Stoke-on-Trent, GB-ENG |url=https://nextdoor.co.uk/pages/midlands-screen-acting-school-stoke-on-trent-gb-eng/ |access-date=2024-07-23 |website=nextdoor.co.uk |language=en}}
The school holds classes once a month at The Catalyst Building within Staffordshire University. There is also an online offering available.{{Cite web |title=Rachel Shenton - Honorary Graduate - Staffordshire University |url=https://www.staffs.ac.uk/about/honorary-graduates/rachel-shenton |access-date=2024-07-23 |website=www.staffs.ac.uk |language=en-GB}}{{Cite news |date=2023-11-15 |title=Oscar-winner Rachel Shenton accepts honorary doctorate |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-stoke-staffordshire-67426731 |access-date=2024-07-23 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}
The monthly classes come in a variety of different forms including a six-month long course for juniors and adults, a 12-month long course for juniors and adults as well as drop-in sessions. Online "career surgery" sessions are also offered to give people a chance to focus more on career development and achieving their own goals rather than the technique of acting as is taught in the other classes.{{Cite web |title=MIDLANDS SCREEN ACTING SCHOOL CLASSES {{!}} MIDLANDS SCREEN ACTING SCHOOL |url=https://midlandsscreenactingschool.com/acting-classes/ |access-date=2024-07-23 |language=en-US}}
On top of these regular offerings, a selection of one off classes and one-day courses are offered allowing for a deeper dive into specific techniques. These are often led by external industry professionals.
= Industry links =
MSAS are a Spotlight accredited school which means, upon completion of two six-month courses or the twelve-month course, students aged eighteen and over are eligible for a full membership with Spotlight, the most-used professional casting database in the UK acting industry.{{Cite web |title=Midlands Screen Acting School - on Spotlight |url=https://app.spotlight.com/contacts/listing/4c04428a-45b7-4e14-a5ed-d847cccad558 |access-date=2024-07-23 |website=app.spotlight.com}}
The schools sister company, MSAS Management, offers full agency representation to all students who have not secured this independently. This allows them to secure auditions for major projects.
Notable former industry guests have included BAFTA-Winning director of The BBC's Ralph and Katie Jordan Hogg, All Creatures Great and Small star Nicholas Ralph, and Adrian Rawlins, known for his portrayal of James Potter in the Harry Potter films.{{Cite web |title=Adrian Rawlins Movies and Shows - Apple TV |url=https://tv.apple.com/us/person/adrian-rawlins/umc.cpc.13u7nme380c422yrb29bny17r |access-date=2024-07-23 |website=Apple TV |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=The |first=Midlands Screen Acting School |date=19 November 2023 |title=Jordan Hogg visits MSAS |url=https://x.com/screen_acting/status/1726300659409179134 |website=X}}{{Cite web |last=The |first=Midlands Screen Acting School |date=18 March 2024 |title=Industry Visitors at The Midlands Screen Acting School |url=https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid0fXHhjW2FrUffLEbUy1aMx4dYjQJX9E2Ru5Z2YudmvRwGcNMLZa6xxMjhhZg5vZo6l&id=100089119882176 |access-date=2024-07-23 |website=www.facebook.com}}
Personal life
When Shenton was 12, her father became deaf after undergoing chemotherapy treatment for cancer. Following the death of her father, Shenton learned British Sign Language. In 2011, Shenton was made ambassador for the National Deaf Children's Society and she continues to raise awareness of deafness in the UK.{{cite web|last=Kilkelly|first=Daniel|title='Hollyoaks' Rachel Shenton plans Kilimanjaro charity climb|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s13/hollyoaks/news/a364876/hollyoaks-rachel-shenton-plans-kilimanjaro-charity-climb.html|work=Digital Spy|access-date=9 February 2012|date=9 February 2012}}{{cite web|last=Lagnado|first=Alice|title=Rachel Shenton, who played Mitzeee in the television series Hollyoaks, said she adored playing a character so different from her|url=http://www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk/news-and-events/all-regions/news/femme-fatale.aspx|work=Action on Hearing Loss|access-date=9 February 2012|date=19 December 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120215024329/http://www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk/news-and-events/all-regions/news/femme-fatale.aspx|archive-date=15 February 2012|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}
In March 2011, Shenton completed a skydive in aid of National Deaf Children's Society.{{cite web|last=Kilkelly|first=Daniel|title='Hollyoaks' stars complete charity skydive|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s13/hollyoaks/news/a311441/hollyoaks-stars-complete-charity-skydive.html|work=Digital Spy|access-date=9 February 2012|date=28 March 2011}} In February 2012, Shenton announced that she was due to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in aid of the charity. In May 2011, Shenton helped to launch a social networking website for deaf people named "Viewtalk".{{cite web|title=Hollyoaks star launches 'deaf Facebook'|url=http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/multimedia/news/latest-news/video/2011/05/05/hollyoaks-star-launches-deaf-facebook-100252-28639843/|work=Liverpool Echo|access-date=23 September 2012|date=5 May 2011}} In October 2012, she climbed the BT Tower in aid of Action on Hearing Loss.{{cite web|title=Oaks' Shenton reaches new heights|url=http://celebrity.uk.msn.com/news/oaks-shenton-reaches-new-heights-1|publisher=MSN|access-date=4 January 2013|date=27 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121028083614/http://celebrity.uk.msn.com/news/oaks-shenton-reaches-new-heights-1|archive-date=28 October 2012|url-status=dead}}
Shenton married British actor and filmmaker Chris Overton in summer 2018.{{cite news |url=https://www.hellomagazine.com/brides/2018101963657/hollyoaks-star-rachel-shenton-confirms-marriage/ |title=Ex-Hollyoaks star and Oscar winner Rachel Shenton confirms she's married Chris Overton |first=Sharnaz |last=Shahid |work=Hello! |date=October 19, 2018 |access-date=September 30, 2023 }} The couple were engaged in March 2018 when she and Overton accepted the Oscar for best short film, live action.{{cite web |title=Deaf British girl's film wins an Oscar |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-43282172 |work=BBC News |access-date=5 March 2018 |date=5 March 2018}} She gave birth to their first child, a boy, in April 2025.{{cite web |title= Rachel Shenton, 37, gives birth as All Creatures Great and Small star shares first snap of newborn|url=https://www.gbnews.com/celebrity/rachel-shenton-baby-announcement-channel-5-all-creatures-great-and-small|work=GB News |access-date=25 April 2025 |date=20 April 2025}}
In July 2019, Shenton was commended with an honorary degree from Keele University for her "outstanding contribution in raising awareness for educational support for disabilities in children, as an inspirational role model for young people, and for her commitment to equality and diversity".{{cite web |title=Oscar-winning honorary graduate urges creatives to pursue their passions |url=https://www.keele.ac.uk/about/news/2019/july/honorary-graduate/rachel-shenton.php |work=Keele University |access-date=6 September 2024 |date=19 July 2019}}
In November 2023, Shenton was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Arts at Staffordshire University for her work as an actress as well as helping aspiring actors through The Midlands Screen Acting School and her work campaigning for the deaf community.{{Cite news |date=2023-11-07 |title=Oscar-winner Rachel Shenton recognised by Staffordshire University |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-stoke-staffordshire-67342729 |access-date=2024-02-18 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}
Filmography
=Acting=
| class="wikitable" |
| style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Year
! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Film ! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Role ! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Notes |
|---|
| 2004
| Kiss & Tell | Claire | Short film{{cite web|title=Spotlight: Rachel Shenton|url=http://www.spotlight.com/interactive/cv/1/a4718/F67734.html|work=The Spotlight|access-date=21 July 2010}} |
| rowspan=3| 2005
| Katrina Hobsbawn | 1 episode: "Doing the Right Thing" (7.52){{cite web|title=Rachel Shenton|url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2053650/|publisher=IMDb|access-date=21 July 2010}} |
| Agnosia
| Tania |
| Xlitherman
|Shade Girl |
| 2006
| Doctors | Sadie Slade |
| rowspan=2|2007
| Courtney |
| Doctors
| Jade Hearn/Robertson |
| rowspan=3| 2008
| English storyteller |
| Sophia's Dairy
| Tricia |
| Genie in the House
| Amy |
| 2009
|Money Kills |Anya |
| 2010–2013
| Regular cast member (234 episodes){{cite web|title=Mitzeee (played by Rachel Shenton)|url=http://www.e4.com/hollyoaks/cast/girls/mitzeee.html|work=E4|publisher=Channel 4 Television Corporation|access-date=21 July 2010|date=July 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100723090055/http://www.e4.com/hollyoaks/cast/girls/mitzeee.html|archive-date=23 July 2010|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}} |
| 2011
|Blood and Bone China |Anna Fitzgerald |10 episodes |
| 2014–2017
| Lily Summers | 19 episodes |
| 2017
| Joanne | Short film; also writer |
| 2019
| Joanne Scott | |
| 2019
|A Very British Christmas |Jessica Bailey |Hallmark style |
| 2019
| A Glimpse | Jess | Short film |
| 2020–present
|All Creatures Great and Small |Helen Alderson |TV series |
| 2023
| For Her Sins | Emily | TV series |
| 2023
| In Too Deep | Carol | Short film |
| 2024
| Debbie Lucas | Feature Film |
| TBA
| |
=Voice over=
| class="wikitable" |
| style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Year
! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Film ! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Role ! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Notes |
|---|
| 2005
| NSPCC Eye Opener | Abused teenager |
| 2006
|Bulldog Broadband | Presenter |
| 2009
|Selston Cosmetic Clinic |Presenter |
Awards and nominations
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20100626235728/http://www.rachelshenton.com/index.html Official website]
- [http://www.spotlight.com/interactive/cv/1/a4718/F67734.html Rachel Shenton] at The Spotlight
- [https://midlandsscreenactingschool.com/ Midlands Screen Acting School]
- {{IMDb name|id=2053650|name=Rachel Shenton}}
{{authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Shenton, Rachel}}
Category:Actresses from Stoke-on-Trent
Category:English film actresses
Category:English soap opera actresses
Category:English television actresses
Category:English voice actresses
Category:Producers who won the Live Action Short Film Academy Award