Meet The County Durham Actress in the Cast of Waitress at Sunderland Empire

Emma was born and raised in County Durham and grew up performing at the Gala Theatre with her stage school. After completing her A Levels at Durham Johnston, she moved to London to study at Mountview. ‘I saw my first show at the Sunderland Empire when I was about six years old,’ she says. ‘It was the tour of Starlight Express and I absolutely fell in love with theatre. I went along to the Gala Theatre stage school because a friend told me about it and I just had the best time. I loved being on stage but I also I loved being around the people involved. The team behind putting on a show, from the actors to the technical crew, are so, so supportive and in every job I do I feel like I get to be a part of a new family for a while. My actual family also love theatre so it was always something I wanted to do, so I could share it with them.’

Emma’s first job out of drama school was Beautiful: The Carole King Musical in which she understudied the three female leads. ‘One night we were performing in Nottingham when one of the lead actresses suddenly became ill mid-show. I had about five minutes to change my costume, wig, microphone then I had to take over and it was the first time I’d ever played that character,’ she tells us. ‘I think it was the biggest adrenaline rush of my life – it was so exciting! Another highlight, and by far my favourite job to date, was playing Girl in Once. It’s an actor-musician show where the music is played entirely by the actors on stage which was so much fun. I was lucky I only had to play the piano but the rest of the company were playing several instruments each so I was in absolute awe every single day!’

Now Emma is excited to be stepping into the shoes of Jenna as she joins the cast of Waitress when it heads to Sunderland Empire. Waitress tells the story of Jenna, an expert pie maker in a small town, who dreams of a way out of her loveless marriage. A baking contest in a nearby county and the town’s new doctor may offer her a chance at a new life, but Jenna must find the courage and strength within herself to rebuild her life.

Emma (who is an understudy for Carrie Hope Fletcher, who is appearing at other dates on this tour) will star alongside Sandra Marvin as Becky, Evelyn Hoskins as Dawn, Les Dennis as Joe, Dan Partridge as Dr Pomatter, Mark Anderson as Ogie, Mark Willshire as Earl and Dan O’Brien as Cal. ‘Waitress is such a brilliant show and Jenna is one of the most well-written female characters there is in musical theatre so I’m over the moon to get to play her,’ she says. ‘Being an understudy is such a thrill but it often means when you get a chance to go on for a role you could be miles away from your friends/family so they don’t always get a chance to come and watch. Getting to step into her shoes so close to my hometown is a real blessing.’

It’s made extra special as this tour marks the 10th anniversary of Waitress. ‘I can’t believe it’s been 10 years since it originally opened and I’ve been amazed at how involved the original creative team still are 10 years on,’ Emma reveals. ‘It’s so clear just how loved this show is to everyone who is lucky enough to work on it so it’s a real honour to join the Waitress family.

‘I think I’m most excited for a North East audience! We’re renowned for being friendly so I always feel the audiences there are very supportive. I’m also excited for my family to come and watch. My parents have travelled all over the country to watch me perform so it’s nice to take it right to their door for once!’

Emma is taking these moments as they come, but dreams of performing in the West End. ‘You never know which auditions are going to go your way in this industry and sometimes jobs pop up really last minute, so I try not to think too far ahead to be honest,’ she adds, ‘but I just want to continue enjoying the work that I do!’

Waitress plays Sunderland Empire from 4th to 9th May.

– QUICK-FIRE QUESTIONS –

Is there a Northern actor you’d love to work with?

Aiming very high here but Jamie Bell (Billy Elliot). I’m not sure that he dabbles in musical theatre but if he ever did…

Is there another musical you’d love to star in?

Matilda!

Where’s your happy place in the North East?

Seaham beach. I go there with my parents every time I come home.

What’s your best advice for budding actors?

Try to enjoy the unpredictability and pretend your nerves are excitement!