Emma Williams - Careers, Fears and Singing with no Underwear #LDNProject

I already know this is going to be a blog post I constantly come back to for inspiration and fond memories. This is the second post in my little series called 'The London Project' where I've been documenting my thoughts and experiences of life in London and all things Musical Theatre.

On Sunday 15th October 2017 I was ecstatic to be meet one of the West Ends finest treasures, my inspiration, the wonderful Emma Williams. Emma Williams is a renowned singer, dancer and actress from York who made her West End debut at just 18 years old when she scored the leading female role, Truly Scrumptious, in 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang'. Emma has since gone on to perform in an increasing number of musicals including 'Mrs Henderson Presents', 'Annie get your Gun' and 'Half a Sixpence'. I was lucky enough to attain tickets to her intimate gig at PizzaExpress LIVE, Holborn, as she performed and was interviewed by radio presenter and journalist Edward Seckerson.

PizzaExpress LIVE describes themselves as "A small team of experienced music industry professionals, always seeking to present the highest quality music in intimate venues - all topped off with great Pizza!" and this is exactly what I got. I particularly enjoyed the informal setting these types of performances have - I was able to stuff my face with food whilst one of my idols stood just feet away from me singing her heart out and chatting about all things theatre. There's an incredible
amount of comfort in hearing an industry professional admit they still get nervous before every single performance they do. Emma never really trained in Musical Theatre, once she booked her first job she never had the time. instead she learnt as she went, picking up advice from fellow actors and taking singing lessons wherever her busy schedule would allow.

Through out the evening we got to hear Emma perform a number of show-stopping songs. Some of my favourites included 'If Mountains were easy to Climb' from 'Mrs Henderson Presents', 'She used to be mine' from 'The Waitress' and her own twist on 'Who I'll Be' from 'Shrek', where she revised the lyrics to include some personal touches and a nod to a few musicals she has been in...

I always say that I measure how good a performance was based on whether I get goosebumps or not. Now let me tell you, I had the hairs on my arms on edge from the second she stepped foot on that stage. She also managed to reduce me to tears, but I never cry so lets forget that and move on.

I could write about this day forever but I fear that would become a chore to read, so here are a few of my favourite points Emma made during her interview with Edward Seckerson that I couldn't leave this post without.

• When Emma was little she wanted to be a Ballerina, so much so she auditioned for the Royal ?Ballet school twice, but unfortunately got declined due to her 'dodgy hips'
• Emma made her first professional debut on TV at the age of 14 where she appeared on an episode of Heartbeat.
• Drinking is a rare occurrence for Emma, she reduces alcohol consumption to help protect her voice, she can also be seen wearing a scarf pretty much all year round.
• A lot of big jobs Emma has come to work on has come through workshopping. Emma workshopped the songs for Half a Sixpence for the characters of Helen and Ann. This included my favourite song in the musical 'Touch of Happiness'. As a result Emma has often been required to originate characters rather than carry the baton on from other performers.
• Emma has reached the final stages of Wicked auditions for Glinda 5 times but still never received the role. 
• When performing in 'Mrs Henderson Presents'Emma was required to appear nude onstage. It son became apparent that tight fitting clothes such as bras and underwear left marks on the skin, something the director was not okay with. As a result Emma would always perform her big solo 'If Mountains were easy to climb' with no undergarments on whatsoever. 
• Emma is very open about her struggle with depression and how she was prescribed running by her doctor to help give her some head space. As a result she has now run 2 London Marathons!
• Emma's dream roles include 'Nancy in 'Oliver' and 'Eliza Dolittle' in 'My fair lady'